Outwood Primary Academy Woodlands

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 March 2024

The recently established leadership team at Outwood Primary Academy Woodlands have implemented an ambitious curriculum for pupils. In some areas, such as phonics, pupils achieve well. Children in early years are exceptionally well prepared for their learning in Year 1. For example, children explain in detail the life cycle of a butterfly and how seeds grow. This prepares them well for their future learning in science. Older pupils have not had time to fully benefit from this curriculum. This is reflected in lower outcomes. However, the quality of education that all pupils are now receiving is preparing them well for their next steps in learning. Leaders have made sure that pupils know what is expected of them. Pupils are rising to these expectations. Pupils understand that being safe, respectful and responsible, is helping them all to learn. Staff uphold these expectations consistently. A small number of pupils struggle with these expectations and do not behave well. When this is the case, well trained staff provide the right support to help pupils to get back on track. The school provides pupils with many opportunities to develop their character and citizenship. Reading ambassadors share their favourite texts with their peers. Play leaders have been instrumental in improving the activities on offer at play times. Leaders make sure that pupils can explore their talents and interests through the many 'enrichment' clubs on offer. Some take part in the school choir, while others attend sporting clubs. Pupils are happy in this caring and inclusive school.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, pupils are not supported well enough to connect new learning to their prior knowledge. In these subjects, pupils' knowledge is less secure. The school should make sure that staff have the support that they need to help pupils to connect this important knowledge to what pupils already know.
• Pupils' understanding and appreciation of difference is not well developed. Sometimes, pupils do not have the knowledge that they need to respond respectfully to the differences that they will encounter in life. The school should make sure that pupils are well prepared to understand and respond respectfully to the differences that they encounter.

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