Ofsted conducted a visit to Holmleigh Primary School on 29 September 2020, following the government's directive for schools to fully reopen to all pupils. This visit was part of a broader initiative to assess how schools are managing the return to full education after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The visit was not an inspection, and no graded judgments were made. Instead, it focused on gathering information about the school's current situation and the measures taken since the reopening.
During the visit, discussions were held with the headteacher, assistant headteachers, the attendance officer, and the safeguarding leader. However, due to protective measures in place, inspectors did not speak with pupils. The context of the visit was significant, as it aimed to understand how schools were addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic and the extended break in formal education.
Holmleigh Primary School reopened to pupils in Years 1 to 6 on 7 September 2020, while Reception and Nursery children had a staggered start over three weeks. Attendance figures were reported to be in line with the previous year, and school leaders made personal contact with families hesitant about returning to encourage their children back to school. The school prioritized English, mathematics, and personal and social education in the initial weeks to support pupils' well-being, while also incorporating music, art, physical education, Spanish, and history into the curriculum.
Teachers conducted assessments to determine pupils' starting points and used this information to tailor individual and small-group work aimed at closing gaps in learning. It was noted that some children faced challenges with their knowledge of letter sounds and reading longer texts. In mathematics, teachers identified gaps in learning from the previous year and planned a combination of revision and targeted catch-up work to address these gaps.
In the wider curriculum, informal assessments were being conducted as subjects were introduced, with teachers adjusting topics to include essential learning from the previous summer term. The school also planned to deliver remote learning through email and paper-based work packs, although the lack of internet access for some families posed a barrier to fully implementing the curriculum.
The visit concluded without any significant concerns being raised, and the information gathered will contribute to Ofsted's national reporting, which aims to inform the government and the education sector about the current state of schools. The insights shared by the school will play a role in shaping future educational policies. The letter summarizing the visit will be published on the Ofsted website, ensuring transparency and communication with parents and the wider community. Overall, the visit highlighted the proactive measures taken by Holmleigh Primary School to support its pupils during a challenging time, focusing on their educational and emotional needs as they transitioned back to school.
