Woodland Primary School, located in Kingston-upon-Hull, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection, conducted on 27 and 28 April 2022, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has made significant improvements since its establishment, ensuring that pupils receive a high-quality education.
The leadership team at Woodland Primary School is ambitious and has effectively worked to enhance the educational experience for students. They have implemented strategies that support pupils in learning to read quickly and achieving well academically. The relationships between staff and students are characterized by respect, with adults taking the time to engage with pupils throughout the school day. This positive environment fosters sensible behavior among students, who are encouraged to develop good manners, particularly in the dining hall. Pupils express confidence in the school's ability to address any issues related to bullying, which they report as infrequent.
Students actively participate in class discussions and are encouraged to be independent learners from an early age. They take pride in presenting their work well and support one another in their learning endeavors. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs such as film club and gardening club, which are well-attended by students from all backgrounds. Additionally, pupils engage in sporting competitions against other schools and participate in educational visits that enhance their learning experiences.
The curriculum in the early years is well-structured, allowing teachers to build on children's existing knowledge. This preparation ensures that children are ready for the next stage of their education. The school has introduced a new approach to teaching reading, providing staff with training to enhance their effectiveness in this area. Regular assessments help identify pupils who may struggle with reading, allowing for timely support to help them catch up. The mathematics curriculum is also well-planned, enabling pupils to build on their skills year after year.
While the school has made strides in improving the curriculum for various subjects, there are still areas that require further refinement. In subjects like design technology and geography, the specific knowledge that pupils should acquire is not clearly defined, which can lead to inconsistencies in teaching. Leaders are aware of this and are working to address these gaps.
The school has resumed enrichment activities that were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing pupils to learn about different relationships and the importance of various faiths, preparing them for life in modern Britain. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are quickly identified and receive effective support, contributing to their academic success.
The safeguarding measures in place are robust, with thorough checks conducted when hiring new staff. Staff are well-informed about safeguarding protocols and are confident in identifying and addressing any concerns regarding pupil safety. Overall, Woodland Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for all its pupils, with clear priorities set by the leadership team to continue improving the quality of education.
