Co-op Academy Woodlands, located in Harehills, Leeds, has received a positive inspection report, reflecting its overall effectiveness as a school. The inspection, conducted on September 26 and 27, 2023, rated the school as good in all key areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Adele Clark, leads the school, which is part of the Co-op Academies Trust, overseen by CEO Chris Tomlinson and a board of trustees chaired by Russell Gill.
The school is committed to providing the best possible education for its pupils, many of whom join throughout the year and speak English as an additional language. The school has implemented a rigorous support system to help these pupils acquire essential language skills, enabling them to function independently. Pupils at Co-op Academy Woodlands are described as keen, interested, and inquisitive, actively engaging in their learning.
The school employs a character curriculum to instill good behavior, allowing pupils to practice expectations such as walking in lines and using utensils correctly. Pupils are motivated to earn RESPECT badges, which recognize their achievements in fulfilling specific criteria, such as daily reading and timely homework submission. The diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds of the pupils contribute to a healthy appreciation of diversity and equality within the school community.
The curriculum is ambitious and designed to support appropriate progression for pupils. Following a review, school leaders are refining the curriculum to ensure that it is manageable and focused, addressing the issue of excessive knowledge that may hinder retention of key facts. The school has established a system for assessing pupils' knowledge at the beginning and end of units, allowing teachers to adapt their planning based on identified gaps.
Early reading instruction is a priority, with a consistent approach across phonics lessons. Most staff are skilled in supporting early reading, and pupils receive additional phonics teaching when needed. The school has developed a reading spine of age-appropriate texts that align with various topics, ensuring access to diverse authors and genres.
The mathematics curriculum is structured to allow pupils to revisit important content regularly, helping them build on their existing knowledge. Teachers effectively model mathematical concepts and use appropriate terminology, although there is variability in pupils' understanding of key vocabulary. The school has introduced vocabulary webs to aid comprehension.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is robust, with staff working closely with external professionals to ensure these pupils receive the necessary assistance. The early years provision emphasizes communication and language development, with adults using effective questioning and modeling to enhance children's learning experiences.
The school has tailored its personal, social, and health education curriculum to address local community needs, including lessons on gang awareness and online safety. Leaders are actively working to improve attendance rates among persistently absent pupils, demonstrating a commitment to their well-being.
Staff well-being is a priority, with shared planning and resources aimed at reducing workload. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. While the school has made significant strides, it recognizes the need for ongoing monitoring and refinement of its curriculum to enhance the learning experience further. Overall, Co-op Academy Woodlands is a thriving educational institution that prioritizes the needs of its diverse pupil population while striving for continuous improvement.
