Parkfields Middle School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 May 2024

Pupils are happy at Parkfields Middle School. They have positive relationships with adults. Pupils are safe. They get a lot of help with their well-being. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) get strong support. They are fully included in the life of the school. This includes those in the specialist unit for deaf children. Pupils learn a well-planned curriculum. This helps them build up what they know. They enjoy learning. For example, pupils describe their science experiments with enthusiasm. There is a calm and purposeful focus in lessons. Pupils behave well. They enjoy being active with their peers at breaks. There is no culture of bullying because adults are quick to address any concerns before they grow. Pupils enjoy the rich extra-curricular experience on offer. There is a wealth of things for pupils to do. They participate in a range of clubs through the 'Challenge Programme', such as coding, engineering and Latin. Pupils praise the quality of sporting activities. They plan and organise events themselves, for instance the arts festival. Pupils run their own newsletter and radio station. They have many opportunities for leadership roles. Consequently, pupils' ideas and views get heard. These opportunities help them develop their confidence and independence.

What the school should improve

• Teachers at times do not check learning as systematically and effectively as they might. This means they do not address gaps well enough during lessons. Therefore, pupils move on to new learning before securing the knowledge they require. The school should ensure that teachers get the guidance and support they need to check pupils' grasp of key knowledge.
• Teachers sometimes do not adapt learning in a way that enables pupils to learn effectively. This means that some pupils do not build up the deep knowledge they need. Leaders should ensure teachers have high expectations for all pupils' learning. They should help teachers to plan learning that it is adapted to pupils' needs so that pupils make the progress of which they are capable.

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