Byron Wood Primary Academy, located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, was inspected on 10-11 July 2019 and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school demonstrates strong leadership and management, with leaders effectively motivating staff and implementing well-understood systems that contribute to school improvement. The curriculum is adapted to meet the diverse needs of pupils and their families, promoting spiritual, moral, social, and cultural understanding. Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, showing politeness and respect, and they are well-prepared for the next stage of their education.
The school has made significant progress in ensuring that pupils make strong progress from their lower-than-typical starting points. Attendance has improved and is now similar to the national average, with effective systems in place to monitor and follow up on absences. The early years provision is also rated as good, although there is a notable gap in development levels between boys and girls by the end of Reception. While most girls reach a good level of development, a considerable proportion of boys do not.
The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is good, with pupils engaging positively across various subjects. Professional development for teachers and support staff has been a key factor in improving teaching quality. Phonics teaching is strong, and pupils are able to apply their phonics knowledge effectively in reading and writing. However, there is a need for greater emphasis on fostering a love of reading, particularly in Year 1, where opportunities for sharing books and stories with adults are less frequent.
Leaders have prioritized improvements in reading, especially for pupils with limited English when they start school. Recent changes to the provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aim to ensure that these pupils make consistent progress across the curriculum, although it is too early to assess the full impact of these changes.
The school has identified areas for further improvement, including enhancing engagement for boys in the early years, ensuring smooth transitions from Reception to Year 1, and increasing the proportion of pupils achieving expected standards at the end of key stage 1. The school is committed to addressing these challenges and has implemented strategies to support pupils with SEND and those who are disadvantaged.
Overall, Byron Wood Primary Academy is a good school that effectively supports its pupils' academic and personal development. The leadership team is dedicated to continuous improvement, and the positive school culture fosters a safe and respectful environment for all students. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address the areas identified for further development, ensuring that all pupils achieve their full potential.
