Windmill Hill Primary School, located in Chapeltown, Sheffield, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 21 and 22, 2022. The school is characterized by a welcoming and inclusive environment where pupils feel happy and safe, allowing them to concentrate on their learning. The school promotes healthy lifestyles, teaching students about balanced diets and the importance of regular exercise, as well as online safety. Pupils report that bullying is infrequent, and they trust that teachers will address any issues that arise.
The behavior of pupils is commendable; they are polite, friendly, and engage well with adults, demonstrating respect and confidence in their interactions. The school has established a set of Golden Rules that pupils follow, fostering a positive atmosphere. During break and lunchtime, students interact well, and they exhibit positive attitudes towards learning in the classroom. The school employs the Zones of Regulation framework, which helps pupils recognize and manage their emotions effectively, ensuring they are ready to learn.
Pupils are given various responsibilities, such as participating in the School Council and serving as Play Leaders and Reception Buddies. They actively engage in extracurricular activities and support local and national charities. The leadership team inspires staff to work collaboratively, ensuring that all pupils reach their full potential. Staff members are passionate and enthusiastic, continually seeking opportunities to enhance their knowledge across subjects, which contributes to the overall achievement of pupils.
The curriculum is designed to provide pupils with a comprehensive understanding of subject content, with frequent revisiting of previously taught concepts. Leaders have set clear expectations for what pupils should know by the end of each year. However, due to a decrease in pupil numbers, the school is transitioning from single-age to mixed-age classes, which has led to some curriculum maps not aligning with the needs of these new class structures.
Reading is a significant focus at Windmill Hill, with pupils expressing a love for books and enjoying daily reading sessions with their teachers. The school prioritizes phonics instruction from the start of a pupil's education, and most students can read fluently by Year 3. The recent implementation of a new phonics program aims to further enhance reading skills.
Mathematics is another area where pupils excel, demonstrating a strong understanding of vocabulary and concepts. They engage in problem-solving and reasoning tasks, which deepen their comprehension. Pupils articulate their learning well across subjects, using relevant vocabulary and connecting their knowledge to future learning.
The school places a strong emphasis on personal development, teaching pupils about mental and physical health, healthy relationships, and community contributions. The curriculum addresses gender stereotypes in the workplace by inviting diverse role models to speak with students.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities has improved under the new SENCo, who ensures early identification and effective learning plans. While recent improvements have been made, historical inconsistencies in leadership have affected some pupils' behavior and attitudes, leading to parental concerns. The school is supported by trustees and a local governing body that actively engages with the school community.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to identify and report concerns. There is a strong culture of care, and pupils know whom to approach for support. The school is currently adapting to changes in class structures and is working to ensure that the curriculum meets the needs of all pupils, particularly those with SEND. Overall, Windmill Hill Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a commitment to improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
