Dodworth St John the Baptist CofE Primary Academy, located in Dodworth, Barnsley, underwent an inspection on November 28 and 29, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, which reflects ongoing challenges in various areas including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has recently experienced significant changes in leadership, with Jonathan Smith as the head of school and Simon Kaufman serving as the executive headteacher. The school is part of St Mary’s Academy Trust, which adds another layer of governance and responsibility.
The inspection highlighted that while leaders are beginning to implement changes that positively impact pupil learning, these changes are still in the early stages. A new behavior policy has been introduced, which is starting to influence pupil behavior and their feelings about school. Pupils have expressed enthusiasm for the new expectations set by the school, particularly the ‘Dodworth Pledge’ that promotes values such as kindness and respect. However, inconsistencies in how adults enforce these expectations have been noted, leading to varied experiences for pupils regarding behavior management.
The curriculum is undergoing development, with leaders aiming for a more ambitious framework. In subjects like physical education and music, the curriculum is well-structured and regularly assessed, resulting in positive learning experiences for pupils. However, in other areas, particularly those recently developed, the school lacks a clear understanding of their effectiveness. In early years education, certain aspects of the curriculum are not well-defined, which can hinder learning outcomes.
Efforts to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are improving, with clearer systems in place for identifying those who require additional help. The school is also working on a new phonics curriculum, although its implementation is still in the early stages. There is a need for better assessment of pupils' phonics knowledge to ensure they are matched with appropriate reading materials.
Pupils generally display positive attitudes towards learning and enjoy attending school. The introduction of a rewards system has been well-received, encouraging positive behavior choices. However, attendance remains a concern, particularly for those who are persistently absent, and leaders are taking steps to address this issue.
The school recognizes the importance of personal development beyond academics. Pupils engage in lessons that cover essential life skills, including online safety and fairness. Opportunities for extracurricular activities and leadership roles are available, but the personal development curriculum lacks a cohesive plan, which limits pupils' understanding of broader societal issues.
Recent leadership changes have provided a clearer picture of the school's areas for improvement, and the new governing body is beginning to hold leaders accountable. However, subject leaders do not regularly assess the quality of teaching in their areas, which is essential for ongoing improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring that pupils are safe and supported. Overall, while there are positive developments at Dodworth St John the Baptist CofE Primary Academy, significant work remains to be done to ensure that all aspects of the school meet the required standards for effectiveness and improvement.
