East Garforth Primary Academy, located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, was inspected on January 24 and 25, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with consistent ratings of good across various aspects including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has high expectations for all pupils, focusing on both academic success and personal growth. Most pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning, contributing to a calm and industrious atmosphere. However, in the early years, expectations for behavior and routines are not as well established, leading to some disruptions in learning.
Pupils report that bullying is rare and express confidence in the adults' ability to address any issues that may arise. The school provides strong pastoral support, with a whole-school approach to well-being that staff have been trained to implement. Leaders emphasize the importance of developing pupils' character, fostering resilience, tolerance, and respect for others. Pupils feel safe and happy at school, knowing they can talk to trusted adults if they have concerns.
The curriculum at East Garforth Primary Academy is ambitious and well-structured, particularly in mathematics. However, some foundation subjects, such as history, present challenges due to overly ambitious content that can overwhelm pupils. This results in mixed retention of knowledge and difficulties for teachers in assessing what pupils have learned. The early years curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the children, but some activities do not effectively promote independent learning or the acquisition of necessary skills.
The school has made significant efforts to cultivate a positive reading culture, with pupils expressing enthusiasm for the diverse range of texts available. A structured phonics program supports early reading development, and pupils generally read fluently and with expression. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive effective support to access the curriculum and extracurricular activities.
Pupils at East Garforth Primary Academy have high aspirations and are aware of the subjects they need to excel in to achieve their career goals. The school provides various leadership opportunities and extracurricular clubs to help pupils develop their interests and talents. While pupils respect diverse faiths and cultures, their understanding of what distinguishes each religion is underdeveloped.
Leaders possess a largely accurate understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They actively engage in professional development and receive support from the trust. Communication with parents is generally effective, though some parents feel there is room for improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with comprehensive training for staff ensuring vigilance in identifying at-risk pupils. Leaders take appropriate action regarding safeguarding concerns and involve external agencies when necessary. Pupils report feeling safe and learn about leading healthy lifestyles through the curriculum.
To improve, the school should focus on refining the curriculum to ensure that pupils retain the essential knowledge they need. Additionally, the early years provision should be better aligned with the children's needs to promote independent learning effectively. Overall, East Garforth Primary Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment for its pupils.
