Crigglestone St James C of E Primary Academy, located in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection on 22 and 23 November 2023, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has demonstrated a commitment to providing a high-quality education, with effective improvements made to the curriculum that support pupils in developing their understanding and making progress. Although the reported outcomes from previous national tests do not fully reflect the quality of education provided, current pupils are achieving well overall.
Pupils at the academy report feeling happy and safe, with high expectations for behavior being realized in both lessons and playtime. While instances of bullying are acknowledged, pupils express confidence that staff address these issues promptly. The school offers a variety of extracurricular clubs, including football, tennis, and rock choir, which help pupils develop their talents and interests. Leadership opportunities are available for pupils, such as well-being ambassadors and collective worship leaders, which contribute to their confidence and sense of responsibility.
The school prioritizes teaching reading, with well-trained staff who effectively support pupils' understanding. Regular assessments ensure that reading materials match pupils' abilities, and additional help is provided for those who fall behind. However, some older pupils exhibit gaps in their comprehension skills that are not being addressed swiftly enough, hindering their potential achievement. The curriculum changes have positively impacted core subjects, where learning is well sequenced, but there are areas in the wider curriculum, such as history, where key knowledge is not clearly defined, affecting pupils' ability to build on their learning over time.
The school demonstrates a strong understanding of the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, collaborating effectively with outside agencies and parents to provide tailored support. This ensures that all pupils can participate in learning activities successfully. In core subjects, timely assessments inform leaders about curriculum implementation, but assessments in some wider curriculum subjects are still developing, limiting the school's ability to identify and address gaps in understanding.
Children in the early years receive a solid start, benefiting from well-resourced learning areas that engage them and support their development. The school teaches fundamental British values, fostering an appreciation for diversity among pupils, who articulate their understanding confidently and express a willingness to stand against injustice.
Governance is a strength, with governors receiving training to enhance their understanding of responsibilities and effectively checking on the school's progress. Most parents express high satisfaction with the school, although a minority report issues with communication and timely information, indicating some missed opportunities for collaboration.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To improve, the school needs to address the gaps in older pupils' reading comprehension skills more quickly, enhance the processes for checking understanding in the wider curriculum, and clearly define important knowledge across all subjects. Additionally, improving communication with parents will foster better engagement and collaboration, ultimately supporting pupils' learning and development.
