Robert Wilkinson Primary Academy, located in Strensall, York, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection took place on December 6 and 7, 2023, and the overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good. The quality of education, leadership and management, and early years provision were also rated as good, while behaviour and attitudes, as well as personal development, received an outstanding rating.
The headteacher, Donna Bedford, leads the school, which is part of the Ebor Academy Trust. The trust is overseen by a board of trustees, chaired by Rachel Totton. The school has a strong sense of community, with pupils described as friendly, positive, and respectful. They feel safe and happy in their environment, supported by well-trained staff who are approachable and attentive to their needs. Parents echo these sentiments, affirming that their children are safe at school.
The school fosters high expectations among leaders, staff, and pupils, creating a calm and purposeful atmosphere conducive to learning. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve well, demonstrating exceptional behaviour and attitudes. Incidents of poor behaviour, including bullying, are rare, and when they do occur, staff address them promptly and effectively. The curriculum for personal development is robust, promoting understanding of equality and diversity, which is evident in the school culture.
In terms of academic performance, the school prioritizes early reading, with a strong emphasis on phonics teaching that enables children to become confident readers. The curriculum is ambitious, with most subjects clearly outlining the knowledge and skills pupils should acquire over time. Teaching is precise, addressing any gaps in learning to ensure pupils make significant progress. However, in a few foundation subjects, the curriculum lacks clarity regarding essential knowledge, which can lead to gaps in pupils' understanding.
The early years provision is effective, with children engaging well in their learning and developing resilience and independence. The outdoor forest school program enhances their learning experiences, allowing them to explore and apply their knowledge in different contexts. Staff interactions promote language development and vocabulary expansion, further supporting children's learning.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-planned and sequenced, preparing pupils for future educational stages. Opportunities for spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development are abundant, including visits from guest speakers and links with the local church. Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles, fostering a sense of responsibility and community involvement.
Governance at the school is effective, with a knowledgeable governing body that holds leaders accountable. Staff feel supported and valued, with leaders prioritizing their workload and well-being. The school has established effective safeguarding arrangements, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school needs to refine the curriculum in a small number of subjects to ensure essential knowledge is clearly identified and sequenced. This will help address any gaps in pupils' knowledge and enhance their ability to recall prior learning when engaging with new material. Overall, Robert Wilkinson Primary Academy demonstrates a commitment to high standards in education and personal development, creating a positive and nurturing environment for its pupils.
