Statutory Information

School Context

The school is a larger than average sized school, catering for pupils in the age range (3-11 years) and there are currently 356 pupils on roll. (January 2019) The vast majority of pupils live within the catchment area of the school. There are between 1 and 2 classes per year group and pupils are taught in mixed ability.

Balby is a large suburb of Doncaster. Many pupils live in areas which contain significant pockets of deprivation characterised by high unemployment, low average incomes, poor housing and health. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is significantly higher than the national average at 46%, ranging between 30% in the current Y1 to 67% in the current Y6 (ASP data 2017). The school deprivation indicator is 0.4.

In terms of inequality, Balby is the most deprived area in the locality based on the Index of Multiple Deprivation by lower super output area. The number of children in poverty is significantly worse in Balby than Doncaster as a town (and Doncaster is generally worse than the England average).

Due to a shortfall in school places in Balby, pupil numbers have risen at pace (in September 2013 the pupil numbers were 301 and this has risen to 356, January 2019) The school had hoped to extend to two form entry in light of the published demographic picture in the locality, but due to the expansion of a neighbouring school and the opening of a new academy in the locality, the numbers have dropped slightly. During 2014/15, some refurbishment of the school buildings and premises took place to cater for the increased number of pupils on roll.

The majority of pupils are white British with 27% speaking English as an additional language. (The percentage was 13.1% in 2012). The number of new arrivals is increasing on a weekly basis, many pupils of Eastern European origin, so this percentage will rise significantly over the academic year. We currently have 19 languages spoken in school (based on the latest Census information). Attainment on entry is well below typical expectations for 3 year olds.

The school meets the governments current floor standards which set the minimum expectations for pupils learning and progress.

Woodfield Primary has established a range of partnerships with other schools both within Doncaster and beyond and is part of the Rose Learning Trust (a Multi Academy Trust). The school regularly receives visits from other schools in Doncaster and neighbouring authorities to look at aspects of good practice in the quality of teaching and learning, curriculum development and continuous professional development.

The school is active within the Yorkshire Triangle Network which spans South Yorkshire. The network supports a range of schools and the outcomes of the partnership continue to be innovative and support improvements across all schools.

Woodfield Primary offers a range of extra- curricular clubs to pupils including: a free breakfast club, a choir supported by Rainbow Connection and a range of other clubs: stay and play, Ukulele, study support, cookery, sports based and arts based.

School Contact Details

Woodfield Primary School

Gurney Road

Balby

Doncaster

DN4 8LA

Tel: 01302 853289

Email: admin@woodfield.doncaster.sch.uk

Acting Head Teacher: Kate Hope

Deputy Head Teacher, SENCo & Designated Safeguarding Lead: Nicky Fallon

School Business Manager: Jayne Miller

Chair of Governors: Mr Peter Steadman