Grove Lea Primary School, located in Hemsworth, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, has recently undergone an ungraded inspection, which took place from September 12 to 13, 2023. The school has maintained its overall judgment of outstanding, although the evidence suggests that if a graded inspection were conducted now, the grade might not be as high. The next inspection will be a graded one. The headteacher, Mrs. S A Henshall, leads the school, which is part of the Inspire Partnership Multi Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Sue Vickerman and a board of trustees chaired by John North.
Pupils at Grove Lea Primary School express pride in their school, which plays a significant role in the local community. They enjoy attending school due to the supportive nature of the teachers, who are always willing to assist when learning becomes challenging. The school environment is perceived as safe, with leaders and staff attentive to any issues that arise. Instances of bullying are rare, and staff effectively manage conflicts among students.
The school has high expectations for pupil behavior, and students generally respond well, demonstrating politeness and enthusiasm for learning. During lessons, pupils engage actively, and during lunchtime, they socialize effectively. Older students in Years 5 and 6 take on mentoring roles for younger pupils, showcasing a sense of responsibility and confidence.
Staff at Grove Lea Primary School are committed to ensuring the success of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. While the teaching is strong and consistent, recent curriculum changes aimed at enhancing pupils' retention of knowledge are not yet fully embedded. Pupils appreciate the variety of enrichment opportunities available, including leadership roles and after-school activities.
The curriculum has been reviewed and updated with support from the trust, providing a solid foundation in reading and mathematics. It is ambitious across various subjects, particularly in the early years, where it effectively prepares children for key stage 1. However, in a few subjects, the impact of recent changes has not yet been fully realized, leading to some pupils lacking confidence in essential concepts.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and employ diverse teaching strategies to engage pupils. They are diligent in assessing understanding, particularly in reading and mathematics. However, in some subjects still under development, teachers occasionally miss identifying gaps in pupils' knowledge, which can hinder learning.
The early years curriculum is well-structured, focusing on developing reading, writing, and numeracy skills. Recent changes to the phonics program have been positively received, enabling pupils, including those with SEND, to read with increasing fluency. Reading is prioritized throughout the school, with a wide range of high-quality texts available in the library, fostering a love for reading among pupils.
Leaders effectively identify the needs of pupils with SEND and work closely with parents to provide appropriate support. The school maintains a culture of safeguarding, ensuring that pupils feel secure and supported.
While the school has many strengths, it must continue to embed recent curriculum changes and enhance assessment practices to address gaps in learning. Overall, Grove Lea Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for all its pupils.
