A SCHOOL rated 'inadequate' is making progress to improve - but more work is necessary for it no longer be judged as having "serious weaknesses". 

That was the verdict of Ofsted following a monitoring visit at Queensway Primary School, on Coppice Wood Avenue, Yeadon, in November 2023.

It was the second monitoring inspection since Queensway was given the 'inadequate' rating in June 2022.

After the latest monitoring visit, the Ofsted inspector said: “Leaders have made progress to improve the school, but more work is necessary for the school to be no longer judged as having serious weaknesses.”

He praised the school for "continuing to prioritise the development of the school’s curriculum".

He said "while the curriculum for reading, writing and mathematics has been established for some time" he noted "the curriculum for the foundation subjects had been less well implemented".

"Given the relatively recent implementation of the new curriculum, it has been difficult to fully evaluate the impact of it on pupils’ learning," he added.

He praised the school for "establishing a consistent approach to the teaching of phonics" and "working with staff to further develop pupils’ love of reading across the school".

He said the school was "clear in its ambition to enable pupils to appreciate the value of reading".

He said: "Pupils spoke positively about their work in English. They enjoy reading new books and feel that doing so helps them to improve their writing."

The inspector added: "The school recognises there has been an increase in the proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

"The opening of the Rainbow Room has further enhanced the school’s provision for pupils with SEND."

He added: "Leaders, including those with responsibility for governance, have an accurate view of the school and have taken pragmatic decisions to ensure that improvements are made in a logical and sustainable way.

Mark Duce, headteacher of Queensway Primary School, said: “The report acknowledges the work we’ve prioritised to develop the school curriculum, and recognises that it’s too early to evaluate the full impact of this.

“In the meantime, I’m pleased the report highlights the further enhancement of our provision for children with SEND as well as our further development of pupils’ love of reading.

"I’m particularly happy that the children themselves have spoken positively about this and feel it is helping them to improve their writing.

“We are continuing to work in close partnership with the council, other local schools and our own fantastic school community, to make further and sustainable improvements.”