Normanton Common Primary Academy, located in Normanton, West Yorkshire, is recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 11 and 12, 2024. The headteacher, Courtenay Walls, leads the school, which is part of the Waterton Academy Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO David Dickinson and a board of trustees chaired by Stephen Johnson. The school is characterized by a welcoming and harmonious environment where the values of success, happiness, inspiration, and nurture are actively promoted by both staff and pupils. High expectations for behavior and academic achievement are evident, and pupils consistently meet these standards, leaving well-prepared for their future educational endeavors.
Pupils at Normanton Common Primary Academy exhibit positive behavior and feel safe and happy within the school environment. Instances of unkindness are rare, and adults are proactive in helping students resolve conflicts. Early years children display enthusiasm for their learning, and pupils are friendly and welcoming to visitors. The school offers various leadership opportunities, such as reading ambassadors and participation in the trust pupil parliament, contributing to a vibrant school atmosphere where pupils enjoy their time.
The curriculum at Normanton Common is diverse and well-structured, with a clear focus on helping pupils understand and celebrate differences. The school emphasizes the importance of significant figures in British society, broadening pupils' perspectives. The school is committed to fostering active learners, citizens, and communicators, successfully integrating these themes into classroom activities.
Reading is a priority at the school, with a phonics program that is expertly delivered and closely monitored. This ensures that pupils develop the necessary skills to become confident readers. The selection of texts and genres for study is thoughtfully considered, and the school’s library and reading corners are well-utilized. Pupils express a love for reading, with one student describing it as a holiday in their head.
In subjects like history and mathematics, the school has established clear expectations regarding the knowledge to be taught, starting from early years. The use of sequenced learning strategies, such as stem sentences in mathematics and knowledge organizers in history, aids both teachers and pupils in tracking progress. While some subjects are more developed than others, the school is actively working to ensure consistency across the curriculum.
Inclusivity is a hallmark of Normanton Common, with pupils with special educational needs and disabilities fully integrated into school life. The school adopts a compassionate approach to support, emphasizing the importance of treating everyone equally. The curriculum includes explicit teaching of protected characteristics and British values, fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding.
The early years foundation lays a strong groundwork for learning, with children developing socially and academically. Pupils enjoy high attendance rates and participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and community service through councils and ambassador roles. The school maintains strong communication with parents, hosting events that encourage parental involvement in their children's education.
The school is aware of its strengths and areas for improvement, with leaders receiving support from the trust to enhance educational quality. Teachers value the focus on subject leadership, which contributes to ongoing development. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To further improve, the school aims to enhance the clarity and implementation of the curriculum across all foundation subjects, ensuring that all pupils achieve consistently high standards. This commitment to continuous improvement reflects the school's dedication to providing an excellent educational experience for every student.
