The Rookeries Carleton Junior and Infant School, located in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on January 10 and 11, 2023, and the school has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education provided at the school is also rated as good, with outstanding behavior and attitudes observed among the pupils. Personal development and leadership and management are both rated as good, while early years provision stands out as outstanding.
Pupils at The Rookeries are described as happy and feeling safe, with staff maintaining high expectations for their behavior and academic performance. The school has established clear rules, known as the seven golden rules, which pupils follow diligently. They receive rewards for adhering to these rules, fostering a positive and respectful environment. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils demonstrate a strong understanding of conflict resolution, aided by playground leaders who support younger students.
The school encourages leadership opportunities for pupils, allowing them to apply for roles such as tour guides and sports leaders. Successful candidates wear a school blazer, which instills a sense of pride and responsibility. The curriculum is enriched by visiting artists, enhancing pupils' learning experiences, such as creating Greek vases. The school community is committed to equality of opportunity, ensuring that all pupils, including those with disabilities, can thrive together.
The curriculum is well-designed, with a clear structure that builds towards ambitious end points. Subject leaders are confident in discussing their curriculum, although there are inconsistencies in the implementation of this structure in some foundation subjects. This inconsistency can lead to pupils being unclear about expectations in those lessons. In contrast, early reading is taught consistently, with pupils engaging enthusiastically in phonics lessons. The school provides additional support for those who need to catch up, ensuring that all pupils develop strong reading skills.
Mathematics instruction is characterized by good subject knowledge among teachers, with a clear sequence of learning that builds on prior knowledge. Teachers effectively use resources to enhance pupils' mental calculation skills, leading to strong problem-solving abilities. The school has an inclusive approach to teaching pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can access the curriculum alongside their peers.
In the early years, the curriculum is highly aspirational and inclusive, with a focus on vocabulary development. Children are encouraged to engage in independent learning and demonstrate exceptional behavior. The personal, social, and health education curriculum supports pupils' well-being, teaching them to treat others with respect and understand different faiths.
Leaders are proactive in improving attendance, emphasizing its importance to parents. The school has made significant strides in its strategic direction, with the executive leadership team working closely with school leaders to implement sustainable improvements. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with all staff trained to identify and support vulnerable pupils.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistency in the teaching of foundation subjects. Leaders need to monitor learning activities more closely to ensure that pupils retain key knowledge that prepares them for future learning. Overall, The Rookeries Carleton Junior and Infant School is a thriving educational environment that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils.
