Millhouse Primary School, located in Millhouse Green, Sheffield, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on July 12 and 13, 2023. The school has established a positive and respectful culture through five golden rules that encourage kindness and good behavior among pupils. The staff provides exceptional support to students who struggle with their feelings and behavior, ensuring that bullying is rare and swiftly addressed when it occurs. The inclusive environment fosters happiness among pupils, who feel secure and valued.
The curriculum at Millhouse Primary is ambitious and designed to prepare pupils for future challenges. Students understand the relevance of their learning, which motivates them to be resilient in acquiring new skills, such as writing. They confidently apply their knowledge and skills, demonstrating readiness for their next educational steps. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs focused on singing, sports, and design and technology, allowing pupils to explore their interests and develop their talents. Leadership roles, such as head boy and head girl, provide opportunities for pupils to act as role models and contribute positively to the school community.
Leaders have defined essential knowledge that pupils should retain across various subjects, including history and science. For instance, in history, pupils learn about social hierarchies in ancient civilizations, while in science, they explore cloud formation to understand seasonal changes. However, there are instances where staff do not consistently verify whether pupils remember the critical knowledge outlined by leaders, which can lead to gaps in understanding.
Reading is a priority at Millhouse Primary, with leaders ensuring that staff receive adequate training to support pupils in developing their reading skills. In the early years, children are introduced to phonics and begin reading and writing simple words. When pupils face challenges in reading, skilled adults provide targeted support to help them catch up. The school has curated a selection of high-quality books for pupils, promoting a love for reading. The library is accessible during lunch breaks, and well-trained pupil librarians assist their peers in selecting appropriate books.
In mathematics, early years educators encourage children to explore numbers through various representations, fostering fluency in mathematical concepts. While teachers address most misconceptions, there are occasions when checks on pupils' understanding are not sufficiently precise, resulting in some pupils retaining misconceptions that go unnoticed.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are included in the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Leaders work diligently to eliminate barriers to learning, ensuring that all staff are equipped to support these pupils effectively. The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum helps pupils understand online safety and promotes respect for diversity. However, there are gaps in pupils' knowledge in this area that need to be addressed.
Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging school leaders to enhance the educational experience. They share the vision for pupil success and prioritize staff well-being, contributing to a positive work environment. Staff express satisfaction with their roles and take pride in being part of this inclusive school.
The safeguarding arrangements at Millhouse Primary are effective, with a strong culture of safety established by leaders. Staff receive regular training and are vigilant in identifying and addressing potential risks to pupils. Thorough records are maintained, and leaders collaborate with external agencies to ensure the safety of vulnerable pupils.
To improve further, leaders should ensure that staff consistently check pupils' retention of essential knowledge across subjects, including personal, social, health, and economic education, to address any learning gaps effectively.
