Outwood Primary Academy Littleworth Grange is recognized as a good school, continuing to uphold high standards in education and student well-being. Under the leadership of Principal Karen Wakefield, the school operates within the Outwood Grange Academy Trust, which provides additional support and oversight. The trust is led by CEO Lee Wilson and a board of trustees chaired by David Earnshaw.
Students at Outwood Primary Academy are described as friendly, happy, and kind, thriving in an environment that emphasizes high expectations for behavior and learning. The school fosters a calm and orderly atmosphere, which is conducive to learning. Effective routines are established, ensuring that even the youngest pupils understand how to succeed. The curriculum is ambitious and thoughtfully designed to engage students, incorporating essential qualities such as resilience, creativity, independence, confidence, and respect. Pupils are aware of these qualities and take pride in how they influence their learning and lives. Staff members are dedicated to understanding and supporting their students, creating a nurturing environment where pupils feel heard and valued.
Behavior at the school is exemplary, with students demonstrating positive attitudes towards learning. Attendance rates are high, and pupils enjoy a variety of extracurricular opportunities, including residential trips and engaging playtime activities. While some parents have expressed concerns regarding certain policies and practices, the school acknowledges the need for improved communication to ensure that parents fully understand the strengths of the curriculum and the school's approaches.
The school sets high ambitions for its pupils from the outset, ensuring that learning is meticulously planned across all subjects. Leaders at all levels are committed to implementing a well-sequenced curriculum that supports knowledge retention over time. Teachers receive regular training, enhancing their subject knowledge and enabling them to deliver inclusive and engaging lessons. Consistent teaching methods are employed throughout the school, allowing for effective modeling of new concepts and collaborative learning opportunities. However, there are instances where the learning needs of some pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are not adequately met, which can hinder their progress.
Early reading instruction is a strong point for the school, with a well-established phonics program that is consistently applied. Staff are adept at identifying pupils who may struggle with reading and quickly implement catch-up sessions. Nevertheless, some of these sessions do not fully address the specific reading difficulties faced by certain pupils with special educational needs, leading to slower progress in their learning.
The school's commitment to personal development is commendable, with a curriculum that emphasizes personal, social, health, and economic education. Pupils engage confidently in discussions about relationships, diversity, and British values. The Outwood Diploma enriches this curriculum, providing meaningful experiences that evolve in complexity as students progress through the school. However, there is a noted lack of opportunities for pupils to learn about diverse cultures beyond their immediate environment.
The trust collaborates closely with the school, sharing expertise to enhance practice and monitor performance. Staff feel supported and valued, contributing to a positive school culture. Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
To improve, the school must address inconsistencies in how the curriculum supports pupils with special educational needs, ensuring that individual support plans are tailored to meet their specific needs. Additionally, enhancing communication with parents regarding policies and practices will help dispel misconceptions and foster a stronger partnership between the school and families. Overall, Outwood Primary Academy Littleworth Grange demonstrates a strong commitment to providing quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
