Woodseats Primary School, located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection on the 7th and 8th of March 2024, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school, which is part of the Steel City Schools Partnership, is led by headteacher Jack Fellowes and overseen by CEO Nicola Shipman and a board of trustees chaired by Paul Doherty. The inspection highlighted the positive environment at Woodseats, where both pupils and staff appreciate being part of a supportive and inclusive community. The school promotes values such as equality and respect, fostering warm relationships among students and staff.
Pupils exhibit courteous behavior towards one another and visitors, demonstrating a strong sense of acceptance. Parents and carers express high regard for the school, noting its commitment to prioritizing the well-being of children. The school has established high expectations for all pupils, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future educational endeavors. Significant improvements have been made in the teaching of English and mathematics, which have positively impacted current pupils' knowledge and skills. However, these changes were not in place long enough to affect the outcomes of the previous cohort.
Woodseats Primary offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art, which are well-attended by students. Older pupils take on leadership roles, supporting younger students as play leaders and lunch monitors, effectively modeling the school's expectations. The school has a well-structured early years curriculum that promotes independence and self-control among young learners. Staff are knowledgeable about the learning objectives for early years and ensure that children are engaged and confident in sharing their thoughts.
In key stages one and two, pupils study a comprehensive curriculum aligned with national standards, which is inclusive of all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and adapt their teaching to meet the diverse needs of their pupils. The curriculum in subjects like art and design is particularly ambitious, allowing pupils to explore art history and develop a deeper understanding of various topics.
Phonics instruction is effectively implemented from early years, fostering a love for reading among students. The school provides ample opportunities for reading and storytime, ensuring that pupils understand the importance of literacy. However, there are instances where the focus on decoding skills may hinder the development of reading fluency, which can affect comprehension. The school is encouraged to provide more opportunities for pupils to practice reading for fluency to build their confidence as readers.
Pupils participate in weekly class briefings where they learn about the school's core values and how to stay safe, including online safety. The school promotes an inclusive atmosphere where diversity is celebrated, and new pupils are supported in their transition. Staff members report high job satisfaction and appreciate the support provided by school leaders and the trust.
The safeguarding arrangements at Woodseats Primary are effective, ensuring that pupils' welfare is prioritized. The inspection identified areas for improvement, particularly in supporting pupils who require additional help with reading fluency. The school is encouraged to enhance its strategies to ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to develop their reading skills fully. Overall, Woodseats Primary School is a nurturing environment that effectively supports the academic and personal development of its pupils while fostering a strong sense of community.
