Lower Wortley Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 September 2024

Pupils enjoy learning and are happy at this welcoming school. Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school site. Pupils care for each other and positive attitudes are established early in school. Pupils are keen to attend school and have strong relationships with their teachers. Pupils feel safe and have trusted adults that they can approach for help. They learn about road and water safety. Most pupils show good progression through the curriculum. Children in early years are well prepared for key stage 1. However, pupils in key stages 1 and 2 do not routinely learn enough knowledge to develop a thorough understanding in some wider curriculum subjects. In these subjects, pupils do not know enough subject-specific vocabulary to help them explain what they have learned. Pupils struggle to apply their knowledge in these subjects. Pupils' gaps in knowledge are sometimes not identified and dealt with quickly enough. Pupils are encouraged to take on positions of responsibility and contribute to school life. For example, some pupils represent the school via the school council or become elected as team captains. Pupils participate in a range of extra-curricular clubs, such as choir, dancing and eco-club.

What the school should improve

• The school has not identified the precise knowledge and subject-specific vocabulary that pupils need to learn in the foundation subjects. As a result, pupils do not develop detailed knowledge and understanding in these subject areas. The school should ensure that precise knowledge and subject-specific vocabulary are identified throughout the curriculum.
• Methods of assessment are used inconsistently across the school. In some lessons, the methods used to check pupils' learning is less effective than others. This means that gaps in pupils' knowledge are sometimes not identified. The school should ensure that there is a consistent approach to assessment across the school, and that teachers are supported to accurately determine what pupils have learned, so gaps in knowledge are readily addressed.
• The school has not provided leaders of some foundation subject areas with sufficient subject-specific training. This limits their ability to plan a high-quality curriculum. The school should ensure that leaders of foundation subjects have had sufficient subject- specific training so that they can effectively lead on their areas of responsibilities.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)