Carrfield Primary Academy is recognized as a good school, providing a positive and nurturing environment for its pupils. The school is located in Bolton-on-Dearne, Rotherham, and serves children aged four to eleven. The recent inspection highlighted that pupils enjoy attending school and feel safe within its walls. The leadership team has established a culture of high expectations, ensuring that all pupils are encouraged to reach their full potential. The staff continuously reflect on their practices to enhance the educational experience for students, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where everyone works towards the common goal of pupil success.
Pupils at Carrfield Primary Academy exhibit positive behavior and are welcoming to visitors. They understand the concept of bullying and report that it is infrequent, trusting that staff will address any issues promptly. The school offers a variety of enriching activities, including trips, residential visits, and extracurricular clubs such as gardening, art, and sports. These opportunities are inclusive, allowing all pupils to participate and take on leadership roles, such as play leaders during recess.
The curriculum at Carrfield Primary Academy is ambitious and well-structured, with a clear progression of knowledge from Reception through Year Six. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, particularly in mathematics, enabling pupils to apply their learning effectively. In foundation subjects like history, pupils build a solid understanding of key concepts. The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that they receive the necessary adaptations to thrive in their learning environment.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects of the foundation curriculum that require improvement. Some teachers do not consistently provide tasks that allow pupils to demonstrate their understanding, and questioning techniques could be more focused on essential knowledge retention. Additionally, the implementation of the handwriting policy varies, leading to inconsistencies in the quality of pupils' handwriting.
Reading is a priority at Carrfield Primary Academy, with a strong emphasis on phonics instruction in the early years. The chosen phonics program is delivered consistently by trained staff, ensuring that pupils' reading materials align with their phonetic knowledge. This approach supports the development of reading fluency, and any pupils who struggle are quickly identified and provided with additional support.
The school has established effective systems for identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs, allowing them to progress through the curriculum successfully. Early years education is particularly strong, with a focus on developing essential skills through engaging activities. Children learn through play, gaining practical experience in various contexts, such as role-playing in a shop or a doctor's surgery.
Pupils at Carrfield Primary Academy are encouraged to be responsible and respectful citizens, understanding the impact of their actions on others and the community. The school promotes personal development, teaching the importance of health and nutrition. Staff well-being is also a priority, with positive feedback from teachers regarding their work environment.
The safeguarding measures in place are robust, with staff receiving regular training to recognize and address potential risks to pupils. The school maintains detailed records of any concerns and ensures that appropriate checks are conducted for individuals working with children.
In summary, Carrfield Primary Academy is a good school that provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in the consistency of task setting and handwriting standards, the overall commitment to pupil development and well-being is evident. The leadership team is dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring that the school remains a place where all pupils can thrive.
