Wickersley Northfield Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 22 March 2023

Leaders at Wickersley Northfield establish high expectations of pupils' behaviour and academic success. A pupil told an inspector, 'Our teachers are always trying to push you to do your best.' This starts in early years, where teachers establish consistent behaviour routines. They create a rich environment for learning. Pupils respond well to this and are eager to learn. Pupils are well behaved in lessons and at playtimes. They understand what bullying is. Bullying seldom happens and pupils feel safe in school. Pupils know which adults they can talk to about any concerns. However, a few pupils are less confident than others in speaking with adults. Leaders are ensuring that other strategies are being put in place, such as 'worry boxes', so that all pupils have the opportunity to express themselves. Pupils enjoy the wide variety of visits linked to the curriculum, such as those to the nearby space museum and sculpture park. Leaders also draw on the knowledge and skills of visitors to school to inspire pupils. These include authors, illustrators and historians. Leaders provide opportunities for pupils to express their views and influence others. In their work on the 'Hate Crime Charter', pupils created the campaign motto, 'Happiness not Hate.' This phrase is now being used by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council as a signpost for change.

What the school should improve

• The intent and ambitions of the revised curriculum for foundation subjects are clear. However, there have been limitations in the previous curriculum structure. As a result, there are gaps in pupils' learning in some subject areas such as history. Leaders should fully implement all the new curriculum plans and ensure that these are embedded. Leaders should also identify any gaps in pupils' learning from previous years and include opportunities to catch up in the revised curriculum.
• Some parents expressed concerns about communication with school. This is having an impact on how these parents view the school. Leaders should ensure that communication procedures are reviewed and improved.
• Some members of staff are not included in the regular safeguarding training. Those new to the governing body have not received safeguarding training in a timely manner. This means that some staff members are not fully equipped to deal with any safeguarding concerns that may arise. Some governors do not have the required background knowledge to hold leaders to account. Leaders should ensure that all staff are included in safeguarding training and that those new to governance complete training offered as part of their induction.

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