Anston Greenlands Primary School, located in North Anston, Sheffield, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 21 and 22 February 2023. The school embodies a vision of Love to Learn, which is central to its ethos and practices. Pupils at the school are described as happy and welcoming, demonstrating a genuine enthusiasm for learning. The staff members are dedicated to understanding each pupil's individual needs, ensuring that their educational journey is both engaging and exciting. This commitment to a nurturing environment is echoed by parents, who appreciate the supportive nature of the teachers and staff.
The leadership team at Anston Greenlands is ambitious and maintains high expectations for both behavior and academic performance. The staff is motivated to cater to the diverse needs of the pupils, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to foster curiosity and a love for learning. Pupils are aware of the behavioral expectations and generally adhere to them, valuing the rewards associated with demonstrating the school's core values of creativity, resilience, enthusiasm, aspiration, teamwork, and expertise. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, and when they do occur, staff members are proactive in addressing the issues, contributing to a safe school environment.
Parental involvement is encouraged, and the school maintains effective communication with families regarding their children's learning and school events. This partnership between the school and parents enhances the overall educational experience for the pupils.
The curriculum at Anston Greenlands is well-structured and designed with the pupils' needs and interests in mind. It begins in the early years and is sequenced effectively to promote progressive learning. The curriculum is enriched with purposeful topics that culminate in engaging outcomes for the pupils, such as escape rooms and themed events that support their broader development. Pupils are provided with opportunities to explore new skills through a variety of activities, including charity work and enterprise projects, which are integrated into the curriculum.
The school effectively meets the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that every child makes good progress. Staff encourage independence in learning, fostering a sense of responsibility among pupils. Teachers possess a strong understanding of their subjects and utilize assessment effectively in core areas like English and mathematics to inform future learning. However, there is a need for further development in assessing pupils' retention of knowledge in other subjects.
Reading is prioritized at Anston Greenlands, with a new phonics scheme recently introduced to enhance early reading instruction. Most pupils are able to keep pace with the program, and those who struggle receive timely support to help them catch up. As a result, pupils are developing confidence in their reading abilities. Nevertheless, the reading outcomes for Year 6 pupils in 2022 did not reflect the quality of education provided, largely due to disruptions caused by the pandemic. The new reading approach will need time to demonstrate its effectiveness in improving standards for older pupils.
In the early years, children enjoy a variety of rich learning experiences that promote sharing and collaboration. Staff utilize effective questioning techniques to extend children's learning, fostering curiosity and language development. The curriculum also emphasizes pupils' wider development, incorporating lessons about different cultures and faiths, and providing leadership opportunities for older pupils.
Staff members feel supported by the leadership in managing their workload and well-being, with collaborative work in curriculum teams enhancing their professional development. The arrangements for safeguarding are robust, with staff trained to recognize and address pupils' needs effectively. Leaders maintain strong communication with external agencies to ensure that pupils receive the necessary support.
While the school has made significant strides, there are areas for improvement. The new approach to teaching reading needs thorough implementation to enhance outcomes for pupils at the end of key stage two. Additionally, leaders are working on a system to assess pupils' retention of knowledge across the curriculum, which will provide teachers with clearer insights into pupils' learning progress. Overall, Anston Greenlands Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
