Castleford Park Junior Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher, supported by the leadership team, has high expectations and is committed to the school's continued improvement. She provides strong leadership for staff and pupils.

Governors and the trust have provided effective challenge and support. As a consequence, leaders have successfully tackled all of the areas requiring improvement at the time of the last inspection. Teaching, learning and assessment and outcomes are now securely good.

The teaching of the basic skills of reading, writing and mathematics has improved and is effective across the school. Pupils make good progress from their differing starting points. They typically... reach above-average standards in reading and writing and average standards in mathematics.

However, there are a few inconsistencies, and, in some cases, progress is less consistent. Teachers' high expectations mean that most pupils produce a good amount of work to a high standard. However, there are a few inconsistencies and not enough is always expected of all pupils.

Spelling, grammar and punctuation skills are taught effectively so most pupils present work to a good standard. On occasion, not all errors are corrected, and some pupils make repeated mistakes. Strengths in pupils' attitudes contribute to their successful learning and development.

Pupils' behaviour is good, both in classrooms and around the school. Pupils say that they enjoy school, which is reflected in their steadily improving attendance. They are eager to learn and work hard.

The curriculum is effectively planned and implemented. However, there are some small variations in the impact on pupils' learning in some subjects. Teachers' strong subject knowledge is used well in English and mathematics lessons.

Occasionally, in other subjects teachers' knowledge is less well developed. There are strengths in the promotion of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. As a consequence, pupils are effectively prepared for life in modern Britain.

Subject leadership has improved so that leaders have an accurate view of the strengths and where further improvements could be made. Most parents and carers are supportive of the school and value the recent improvements.

Information about this school

The school is a larger than average-sized primary school and numbers are rising.

The school operates a breakfast club each morning as well as an after-school club. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for support through the pupil premium is slightly above average. Most pupils are White British.

The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups and who speak English as an additional language is well below the national average. The proportion of pupils with SEND is above the national average. The school is a member of the Castleford multi-academy trust.