Parkgate Farm

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 June 2024

Pupils enjoy coming to school at Parkgate Farm. This small, unique setting is warm and welcoming. Pupils arrive on time, enthused and excited by the day ahead. Before arriving at the school, many pupils had not accessed learning for a considerable time. Pupils say that they are safe and feel well looked after here. They get the support they need, when they need it. Leaders have placed appropriate focus on basic skills in English, reading and mathematics. This is because many pupils arrive with gaps in thier knowledge and can join the school at any point during the year. Pupils do well in these subjects because they are taught in a logical order so that pupils can remember what they have learned. Leaders ensure that pupils are well prepared for their next steps. Staff have high expectations of pupils. Pupils strive to meet these and behave well. They say that if people are unkind it is quickly sorted out by adults. Bullying is rare. The school works hard to develop pupils' experiences of modern Britain. Pupils learn about different faiths and religions as well as how to keep themselves safe online and in the community.

What the school should improve

• Teachers do not always use assessment effectively to identify misconceptions and gaps in pupils' knowledge. This means that, too often, learning moves on before pupils have understood everything they need to. This holds pupils back. Leaders should support teachers to use assessment effectively to identify any gaps in pupils' knowledge and adapt the curriculum and their teaching appropriately to make sure these gaps are closed.

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