Emmanuel Holcombe Church of England Primary School in Holcombe, Bury, Lancashire, has been rated as good overall in its recent inspection conducted on March 26 and 27, 2024. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a welcoming environment where pupils thrive. Students express that they feel welcomed and quickly make friends, highlighting the supportive atmosphere fostered by the school. They also appreciate the development of their confidence and resilience, which prepares them to tackle new challenges.
Pupil behavior is commendable, with students engaging positively during break times and adhering to the school's values. The school promotes responsible behavior through its 'rainbow rules,' which encourage respect and responsibility among students. The Holcombe Offer, a range of high-quality activities, enriches the educational experience, allowing pupils to deepen their learning and engage in various roles such as school councillors and buddies for younger students. Participation in local events further enhances their sense of community and belonging.
The school sets high expectations for all pupils, ensuring that disadvantaged students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive the support they need to overcome challenges. As a result, pupils generally achieve well across the curriculum. Since the last inspection, the school has clarified its expectations for pupil knowledge across subjects, enabling teachers to focus on essential information. This structured approach helps pupils retain key knowledge, facilitating quicker absorption of new information.
Teachers employ effective strategies to reinforce learning, revisiting topics to build on prior knowledge and addressing misconceptions promptly. This approach is particularly effective in reading, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for future educational stages. The improvements made to the curriculum design and delivery have positively impacted pupil achievement, as evidenced by the high percentage of Year 6 pupils meeting expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics in 2023.
However, there are areas for improvement. In a few subjects, the curriculum lacks clarity regarding essential knowledge and the sequence of learning. This can lead to gaps in understanding for some pupils, potentially hindering their readiness for secondary education. The school must ensure that all subjects clearly define the knowledge that pupils need to learn.
Reading is a notable strength of the school, with a well-organized curriculum that engages pupils from the Nursery Year onward. The phonics program is delivered consistently at a high standard, enabling children to develop strong reading skills early on. As pupils progress, they continue to build on their reading abilities, becoming confident and fluent readers who can access the wider curriculum effectively.
The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they achieve well. Most pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards school, with good attendance rates. The school provides effective support for those whose attendance falls below expectations, ensuring minimal disruption to learning.
Emmanuel Holcombe Church of England Primary School prioritizes personal development, offering activities that prepare pupils for future challenges. The emphasis on health and well-being, including mental health support, is exceptional. The school is mindful of staff workload while implementing improvements, fostering strong relationships among staff, pupils, and governors. Overall, the school is well-regarded for its educational provision and commitment to pupil development, with effective safeguarding measures in place.
