Holbrook Primary School, located in Coventry, West Midlands, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 11-12, 2020. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel happy and safe. Students express enjoyment in their learning experiences, attributing their satisfaction to the kindness of their teachers. The school promotes respectful interactions among pupils and staff, contributing to a calm and orderly atmosphere. Behaviour in classrooms is commendable, with students eager to engage in their work. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, staff are quick to address them, ensuring that pupils feel supported and have access to help when needed.
The leadership team at Holbrook Primary School demonstrates effective collaboration, fostering a strong sense of teamwork among staff. They actively involve parents in the school community, creating robust connections with families and the wider community. Leaders are dedicated to providing pupils with valuable real-life experiences, such as educational trips to local landmarks and residential excursions. Parents have expressed positive feedback regarding the diverse learning opportunities available to their children.
The school excels in its early years provision, where children quickly adapt to Nursery and Reception. Staff build warm relationships with the children, guiding them in understanding routines and focusing on communication and language development. The phonics approach used in Nursery aligns with that in Reception, ensuring a strong foundation for reading. A variety of engaging activities are offered, both indoors and outdoors, enhancing children's learning experiences.
Reading is a key focus at Holbrook Primary School, with staff demonstrating strong subject knowledge and providing effective instruction. Most pupils achieve fluency in reading by the end of Year 2. However, some students struggle with comprehension, indicating a need for further support in understanding the material they read. Leaders are addressing this by planning more opportunities for experiential learning to enhance pupils' knowledge.
The school promotes a love of reading through daily story times, and pupils express enjoyment in reading, often discussing their favorite authors and stories. Writing instruction is well-structured, allowing pupils to develop their skills progressively. However, there are inconsistencies in identifying and correcting basic errors in spelling and letter formation, which can hinder students' progress.
Holbrook Primary School offers a broad curriculum, including subjects like Spanish and music, which enrich pupils' educational experiences. While detailed plans exist for most subjects, some areas, such as art and science, lack clarity in the sequencing of learning, leading to potential gaps in knowledge.
The school is inclusive, ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive a full education. Leaders maintain strong communication with families, organizing workshops and events to support parents in various aspects, including online safety and mental health.
Despite improvements in attendance, some pupils still experience long absences, impacting their learning. Leaders are committed to addressing this issue by working closely with families to encourage regular attendance. Overall, Holbrook Primary School is a nurturing environment that prioritizes the well-being and academic success of its pupils, while continuously seeking to enhance its educational offerings.
