Carcroft Primary School, located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection that has resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on the 22nd and 23rd of May 2024, and the school has been noted for its strong leadership and management, quality of education, and positive behavior and attitudes among pupils. The headteacher, Kirsty Atherton, leads the school, which is part of the XP School Trust Limited, overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Stephen Cooper Bielby.
The school provides a nurturing and safe environment where staff prioritize building positive relationships with pupils. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and care among students, who are organized into 'crews' within their classes. The curriculum is designed to engage pupils by providing them with a sense of purpose, encouraging them to produce high-quality work through 'end products.' The school recognizes the barriers to learning that some pupils may face and is committed to ensuring that all students access the ambitious curriculum offered.
Pupils are aware of the behavior expectations, which emphasize hard work, kindness, and smart learning. The atmosphere in classrooms is calm and conducive to learning, with effective behavior management strategies in place for those who require additional support. The school has made early reading a priority, implementing a well-structured phonics program that allows pupils to build their knowledge progressively. Staff receive regular training to ensure they can identify and address the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
While the school has made significant strides in developing its reading curriculum, some improvements are still needed, particularly for older pupils in key stage two. These pupils are not always identified quickly enough when they are at risk of falling behind, and they do not consistently receive the same opportunities to read as younger students. The school is encouraged to enhance the regularity of reading practice for these pupils to improve their fluency.
In addition to reading, the school has implemented a creative approach to curriculum design across wider subject areas. Foundation subjects are taught through cross-curricular 'learning expeditions,' which engage pupils in immersive learning experiences. This method allows pupils to acquire essential knowledge and skills while maintaining the integrity of each subject. In core subjects like mathematics and writing, a structured approach is employed, breaking learning into manageable steps to ensure pupils build on their prior knowledge.
Support for pupils with special educational needs is highly effective, with personalized provisions established to meet their individual needs. The school has also set clear behavior expectations through its Habits of Work and Learning framework, which is consistently applied by staff. Pupils feel that the systems in place are fair and that they have trusted adults to turn to for support.
The school is actively working with families to improve attendance, holding parents accountable while providing support. In early years, there is a strong focus on vocabulary development, with a variety of learning opportunities designed to maximize children's language skills. The school promotes pupils' wider development through carefully constructed programs that teach them about safety and financial management.
Overall, Carcroft Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for its pupils. The school is well-regarded by staff and parents alike, and its leadership is focused on continuous improvement to ensure that all pupils can thrive academically and personally.
