East Garforth Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 January 2023

Leaders at East Garforth Primary Academy have high expectations for every pupil, both in terms of their academic success and their personal development. For the most part, these expectations are realised. Many pupils behave exceptionally well and show very positive attitudes to learning. There is a calm, industrious atmosphere in the school. Pupils work hard and are conscientious. In the early years, expectations for behaviour and routines are less well established. Children do not always follow instructions from adults. This leads to some disruption to learning. Pupils say that bullying rarely happens in the school. They are confident that adults would deal with it quickly if it did occur. Pastoral support for pupils in the school is strong. Leaders have implemented a whole-school approach to well-being. Staff have been trained in how to deliver this. Pupils speak very positively about the support they receive. Leaders understand the importance of developing pupils' character. Pupils talk with confidence about being resilient and tolerant. Pupils know how important it is to treat people equally and respect others. They show empathy and compassion towards each other. Pupils say that they feel safe and happy in school. They know that if they are worried about something, they can talk to a trusted adult.

What the school should improve

• While leaders have created an ambitious curriculum, in some foundation subjects the amount of knowledge specified means that pupils do not remember all the content they have been taught, and sometimes they have jumbled knowledge. Leaders should ensure that curriculum plans are sharply focused on the precise knowledge that pupils need to know and remember and that teachers check that pupils have acquired this knowledge.
• At times, the provision in the early years is not well matched to the needs or abilities of the children. Some activities do not enable children to independently develop the knowledge and skills that are set out in the curriculum. Leaders should ensure that activities within the provision are carefully planned so that children acquire the knowledge and skills that are intended based on the curriculum.

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