Outwood Primary Academy Park Hill, located in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, underwent its first inspection under the Education Act 2005 on September 13 and 14, 2022. The school received an overall effectiveness rating of Good, with consistent ratings of Good across all key areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has a diverse student body, with over half of the pupils learning English as an additional language, representing more than 30 different languages. The multilingual staff play a crucial role in supporting students and their families in their native languages.
The inspection highlighted that standards of attainment are on the rise, and pupils are thriving in a supportive environment. The behavior of students has significantly improved due to the consistent implementation of the school's behavior policy, resulting in minimal bullying incidents. The school fosters a culture of kindness among pupils, with only occasional disputes during break times. Leaders are dedicated to ensuring that each pupil receives the best possible education and is well-prepared for the transition to key stage three, with most students moving on to secondary schools within the same multi-academy trust.
The curriculum is designed to promote good citizenship, with pupils participating in annual pledges focused on health, citizenship, and environmental awareness. Successful completion of these pledges is recognized through the award of The Outwood Diploma at the end of each key stage. In the early years, children quickly adapt to school routines, with teachers setting clear expectations that foster attentive listening and turn-taking.
The school effectively assesses children's phonics knowledge from the outset, providing additional support where necessary. The reading curriculum is strong, and pupils in key stage one make good progress. Recent feedback from key stage two pupils led to an expansion of the library's book selection to include more diverse cultural representations, enhancing pupils' connection to their heritage.
While many pupils excel in various subjects, some areas require improvement. The curriculum is well-implemented in subjects like mathematics, where teachers effectively use assessment data to identify and address knowledge gaps. However, this level of assessment is not consistently applied across all subjects, particularly in art and design, where some pupils struggle with specific skills like shading. Teachers need to ensure that pupils have adequate time to practice and reinforce their learning.
Parental satisfaction with the school's educational quality is generally high, although a minority of parents feel their concerns are not adequately addressed. The school leadership, including governors, is committed to resolving these issues. Attendance remains a focus, with efforts to reduce persistent absence through home visits and support for families.
The school promotes equality and respect for diversity, with initiatives that engage pupils with local elderly citizens and discussions on equal rights. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with comprehensive training for staff and prompt action on any concerns. Overall, while the school demonstrates strong performance in many areas, it must continue to enhance assessment practices in foundation subjects and address attendance issues to ensure all pupils achieve their full potential.
