Parkgate Farm, Ipstones

What is it like to attend this school?

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.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Many of the pupils have had a difficult relationship with education before arriving here and some have not attended school for long periods of time. This means they have gaps in their learning when they arrive at Parkgate Farm. For this reason, the school prioritises the teaching of basic skills in English, mathematics and reading. Pupils do well in these subjects. This is because teachers carefully consider what pupils need to learn and when they need to learn it. Knowledge in the curriculum is well ordered to support pupils' learning.

Leaders recongise the important role that reading will play in pupils' lives and have made this a priority. Teachers carefully link learning to books and texts that pupils find interesting. Pupils at the early stages of reading are provided with the support they need to improve. Pupils grow into avid readers during their time here.

Quality of education, Behaviour & attitudes, Personal development, Leadership & management.

Bus Stops