West Road Primary Academy, located in Moorends, Doncaster, is a school that has maintained its overall judgement of good following an ungraded inspection conducted on November 29 and 30, 2023. The headteacher, Julie Woodward, leads the school, which is part of the Brighter Futures Learning Partnership Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Helen Redford-Hernandez and a board of trustees chaired by Peter Duffield. The school serves children aged 2 to 11 and currently has 305 pupils enrolled.
Pupils at West Road Primary Academy take pride in their school community, embodying the motto of learning to grow together. There is a strong sense of togetherness among students, who understand the school’s values and rules. The leadership has implemented an ambitious curriculum, although there are areas that require further development to ensure full embedding across all subjects. Some pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, are not achieving their potential, and there are notable gaps in phonics knowledge among younger students, exacerbated by irregular attendance.
The school promotes high expectations for pupil behavior, and students are aware of the reward systems in place. Most pupils behave well and understand the importance of respect and tolerance. Bullying is reported to be rare, and when it does occur, it is addressed promptly by staff. The school is actively working to improve attendance, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, to ensure they benefit fully from the educational offerings.
West Road Primary Academy offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs for dance, film, and football, which help students develop their interests and talents. Reading is prioritized within the curriculum, with daily reading sessions and phonics instruction starting in the Nursery. While many pupils enjoy reading, some struggle to become fluent readers, which limits their access to the broader curriculum.
The curriculum is ambitious and, in some areas, exceeds national expectations. Leaders have identified key knowledge for subjects like mathematics and geography, ensuring that pupils are challenged appropriately. However, the delivery of the curriculum in certain subjects is still developing, and the school is focused on supporting teachers to enhance their teaching practices.
In the early years, children receive a strong start, with staff fostering positive relationships and prioritizing foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. However, some children in Reception who struggle with early reading do not receive the necessary support to progress alongside their peers.
The school effectively collaborates with external agencies to support pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they can access the curriculum. However, some of these pupils do not achieve as well as they could, and there is a need for improved access to clubs and activities.
The school fosters a respectful culture, teaching pupils about responsible citizenship and the importance of diversity. However, some students lack knowledge of world religions and healthy lifestyles, which is essential for preparing them for life in modern Britain.
Staff at West Road Primary Academy report high job satisfaction, appreciating the support from leaders in managing their workload and professional development. Governors and trust leaders are actively involved in monitoring the school’s performance and holding leaders accountable.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To improve, the school must address gaps in phonics knowledge among younger pupils, ensure consistent delivery of the personal, social, and health education curriculum, and enhance support for pupils with special educational needs to access the full range of school activities. Additionally, efforts to reduce persistent absence among disadvantaged pupils must continue to ensure equitable learning opportunities for all students.