Worsbrough Common Primary School, located in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, has recently undergone its first inspection under the Education Act 2005, receiving an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on April 30 and May 1, 2024. The school is led by headteacher Kate Ainley and is part of the HCAT trust, overseen by CEO Tom Banham and a board of trustees chaired by Alan Richards. The school has an executive headteacher, Rebecca Paddock, who is responsible for this school and two others.
Pupils at Worsbrough Common Primary School express pride in attending this safe and inclusive environment. They demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for learning and consistently strive to meet the school's high expectations. The behavior of the students is commendable, with a calm and orderly atmosphere prevailing throughout the school. Respect for peers and adults is evident, and instances of bullying are rare. When bullying does occur, pupils are confident that staff will address the issue promptly. The positive attitudes towards learning are particularly noticeable in the early years, where children exhibit eagerness to showcase their achievements.
The school has made significant efforts to integrate itself into the community, earning high regard from parents and carers. They appreciate the strong pastoral support provided, as well as assistance in helping their children learn at home. The school is described by one pupil as magical, reflecting the positive sentiment among the student body.
Leaders at the school adopt a strategic approach to improvement, developing an ambitious curriculum that caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is coherently planned and sequenced, allowing for effective teaching across subjects. Teachers utilize a consistent lesson structure, which aids in pupil retention of knowledge and contributes to a focused classroom environment. Regular assessments help in planning lessons, and while many pupils achieve well, some vulnerable students, particularly in key stage two, do not perform as well as expected in reading, writing, and mathematics.
In the early years, the curriculum is designed to prepare children for future learning stages, emphasizing subject-specific vocabulary and oracy skills. This focus benefits all pupils, especially those with additional needs. Reading is prioritized, with staff trained in phonics instruction, leading to high achievement in the phonics screening check at the end of Year 1. The school actively engages parents in their children's reading development through well-attended sessions.
Worsbrough Common Primary School is committed to equipping pupils with essential life skills through a well-planned program of wider opportunities. The school encourages pupil leadership through various ambassador roles, which positively impact the school community. Educational visits are thoughtfully selected to enhance learning experiences, and partnerships with external agencies support pupils in leading safe and healthy lives.
The leadership team, including those responsible for governance, demonstrates high aspirations for the school and collaborates effectively to drive improvements. Staff members report positively about their experiences at the school, highlighting a strong sense of collegiality and pride.
The safeguarding arrangements at Worsbrough Common Primary School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. However, the school recognizes the need to continue focusing on improving the achievement of vulnerable pupils, particularly in key stage two, to ensure they leave with the necessary skills and knowledge for their next educational stage.
