Orchard Primary Academy, located in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, underwent an inspection on June 15 and 16, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils at Orchard Primary Academy report feeling happy and safe, with strong relationships built on mutual respect. They understand the importance of hard work and adhere to the school’s values of respect, resilience, and aspiration. The behavior of pupils is commendable, as they are engaged in lessons and demonstrate politeness. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils feel confident that staff will address any issues that arise.
The school prioritizes reading, particularly in the early years, and has ambitious plans to enhance its reading instruction. Children in Nursery begin learning phonics early, and the school ensures that pupils read books that align with their phonics knowledge, which boosts their confidence. While most phonics sessions are effective, some staff occasionally use different strategies that do not align with the school’s approach, which can hinder fluency. Leaders are aware of this and have planned training sessions to address the issue.
Pupils enjoy listening to adults read and have access to a variety of books, which contributes to their enjoyment of reading. After completing the phonics program, pupils participate in daily guided reading lessons that involve analyzing texts and answering questions. The curriculum is well-structured, with leaders identifying key knowledge that pupils need to acquire. Teachers receive training to enhance their subject knowledge, enabling them to design engaging lessons that allow pupils to practice skills and build on prior learning.
The leadership in early years is strong, with children making significant progress from low starting points. Vocabulary development is prioritized, and children effectively use new vocabulary in discussions about their learning. The school provides numerous opportunities for personal development, encouraging pupils to take on various roles and responsibilities, which helps them develop leadership skills.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Subject leadership in some areas, such as history, is still developing, and leaders have not yet fully assessed what pupils know. This has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, while pupils learn about different faiths and cultures, some do not have a comprehensive understanding of the religions they study. Leaders must ensure that all pupils gain a solid knowledge of various religions and cultures.
The safeguarding arrangements at Orchard Primary Academy are effective, with leaders and staff prioritizing pupil safety. Staff receive regular training to identify pupils who may need support, and communication among staff ensures that concerns are addressed promptly. The school has established strong relationships with external agencies to provide additional support when necessary.
Overall, Orchard Primary Academy has made commendable progress since its last inspection, demonstrating a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a safe and supportive environment for its pupils. The leadership team is dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs, have access to a rich curriculum and the support they need to succeed.
