Holy Trinity CofE Dobcross Primary School, located in Dobcross, Oldham, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 4 and 5, 2023. The school fosters a welcoming environment where pupils feel part of the Holy Trinity family, regardless of their background. This inclusive atmosphere is appreciated by parents and carers, who value the community spirit cultivated by the school leaders. Pupils demonstrate enthusiasm and excitement upon entering the school, contributing to a positive learning environment.
The school has high expectations for both behavior and academic achievement, which pupils meet with polite and respectful conduct. During break times, they engage happily with friends, and in the classroom, they concentrate and work diligently. The school rewards good effort in assemblies, reinforcing the importance of meeting these high standards. Incidents of bullying and name-calling are rare, and teachers address any issues promptly, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported. Positive relationships between pupils and staff further enhance the school’s nurturing environment.
Holy Trinity offers a broad and rich curriculum that is ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Subject leaders have worked to enhance their curriculum areas, ensuring that the content is clear and builds on prior knowledge. For instance, Year 2 pupils effectively used their previous learning in Spanish to identify family member names. The school also emphasizes the importance of early years education, preparing children well for Year 1.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. Although teachers assess pupils' knowledge, some subjects lack the necessary depth in these checks, which can hinder the development of secure knowledge and skills. The school has made significant strides in reading, with teachers regularly reading high-quality books to pupils and implementing a new phonics program for younger students. However, the books available to pupils do not always align closely with the phonics they are learning, which can slow their reading fluency.
Staff are well-trained to support pupils with special educational needs, ensuring that appropriate interventions are in place quickly. The school promotes positive learning behaviors, with low-level disruption not tolerated, allowing for uninterrupted learning. Pupils demonstrate a strong understanding of different faiths and cultures, promoting tolerance and equality within the school community. They actively participate in initiatives such as eco-council, emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Governors are well-informed about school improvement efforts and provide support and challenge to school leaders. Staff appreciate the focus on their well-being and workload management. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring that pupils understand how to stay safe both online and offline. Regular training for staff keeps them updated on safeguarding practices, enabling them to identify and report any concerns promptly.
In summary, Holy Trinity CofE Dobcross Primary School continues to provide a good education, characterized by a supportive and inclusive environment. While the school has many strengths, particularly in its curriculum and community spirit, it must address the alignment of reading materials with phonics instruction and enhance assessment strategies in certain subjects to ensure all pupils can build on their learning effectively.
