Joy for improved Sheffield primary school with 'good' Ofsted rating

High Hazels Junior School, part of the High Hazels Academy, in Darnall, has been judged as ‘good’ across all four key areas following an Ofsted inspection on January 14 and 15, marking a major turnaround in the school’s improvement journey.

In the report, inspectors praised teachers for planning interesting lessons in a broad range of subjects and noted how leaders have worked to improve standards in reading.

It is said that pupils learn how to develop healthy relationships, understand the importance of tolerance and respect and can talk about celebrating differences.

Pupils also take part in activities to understand how to stay safe, including the annual lantern parade on Bonfire Night which helps bring the community of Darnall together.

Headteacher Asma Maqsood-Shah said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome. When I walked out of the meeting with the Ofsted inspectors and we found out the judgement the whole staff room erupted in joy. This is a victory for the staff and the community of Darnall as well but this success would not have been possible with the support from parents, the community and local mosques.

“We are a community school and yes we are part of the United Learning Trust but ultimately we are a school for Darnall. The trust has had a good part to play in our improvement but it has taken a lot of dedication from staff, governors and parents who have put trust in my leadership.

“Standards are on the rise and I’m hoping this recent report has put us firmly on the journey to becoming outstanding.”

High Hazels Academy officially became an academy in 2015 - replacing Greenlands Nursery Infant School and Greenlands Junior School.

To improve further leaders must support teachers to introduce new curriculum plans across more subjects, plans which have already been implemented in science and art and have helped to improve the quality of learning.

Teachers must also ensure there are opportunities for pupils to consolidate or extend their learning as some are completing tasks and work very quickly.