Wilsden Primary School, located in Bradford, West Yorkshire, underwent an inspection on November 15 and 16, 2023. The school has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, moving from a grade of Requires Improvement to an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The executive headteacher, Elizabeth Davison, leads the school, which is part of the Focus Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Helen Rowland and chaired by Paul Spencer.
The school fosters a positive and inclusive environment where pupils feel happy and safe. They are encouraged to follow 'The Wilsden Way,' promoting values of being ready, respectful, and safe. Attendance is high, and pupils generally enjoy their learning experiences. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they occur, they are addressed promptly. The curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, can participate fully in their education. The school has made efforts to create supportive learning environments, such as autism- and dyslexia-friendly classrooms.
Pupils demonstrate good progress across the curriculum, benefiting from a well-structured and ambitious educational program. The curriculum is designed to be continuous from early years through to Year 6, with topics sequenced logically. Teachers employ various methods to enhance pupils' understanding and retention of knowledge, including the use of working walls and knowledge maps. However, there are occasions when the tasks assigned do not build effectively on prior knowledge, which can hinder progress.
Behaviour in the school is generally good, with most pupils being polite and attentive. They are taught to follow established routines, although there are instances of low-level disruption in some lessons due to inconsistent expectations of behaviour. The school is aware of this issue and is working to ensure that behaviour expectations are uniformly applied across all classes.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading, having recently introduced a new phonics scheme that begins in Reception. This initiative has led to excellent progress in reading skills among pupils, with additional support provided for those who struggle. The school has also cultivated a love of reading, with pupils acting as reading ambassadors to promote literacy among their peers.
Wilsden Primary School offers a range of extracurricular activities, including clubs and community projects, which contribute to pupils' personal development. Pupils learn about relationships and fundamental British values, and they engage in discussions about current issues, fostering a sense of responsibility and community involvement.
Leadership at the school is focused on continuous improvement, with staff feeling supported in their professional development. The school has established effective safeguarding measures, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To further enhance its effectiveness, the school needs to ensure that the work assigned to pupils consistently aligns with their prior knowledge and understanding. Additionally, it is essential to establish clear and consistent behaviour expectations across all lessons to minimize disruptions and maximize learning opportunities. Overall, Wilsden Primary School is making commendable strides in providing a quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for its pupils.
