Thornhill Primary School, located in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on 18 and 19 October 2022. The school is characterized by a nurturing environment where every pupil is valued. Students feel safe and are known for their kindness and politeness. The staff at Thornhill Primary School are dedicated to the well-being of the pupils, fostering a supportive atmosphere where bullying is rare. The school promotes positive behavior, and pupils look after one another during playtimes and lunchtimes.
The leadership team at Thornhill Primary School has high expectations for all pupils. They have made significant efforts to enhance the curriculum across various subjects to ensure that students achieve their potential. The school has effective processes in place to support pupils who join at different times throughout the academic year, particularly those who speak English as an additional language. This support helps new arrivals settle quickly and integrate into the school community.
Pupils at Thornhill Primary engage actively with the local community, participating in events such as harvest celebrations and sporting competitions. The school offers a variety of after-school clubs, including a singing club and a youth club, which allow pupils to explore their interests and talents. Parental involvement is encouraged through regular workshops aimed at helping parents support their children’s learning at home.
The curriculum at Thornhill Primary is ambitious and designed to prepare pupils for their future education. Leaders have identified essential vocabulary that pupils need to learn, and teachers effectively incorporate this vocabulary into their lessons. While the curriculum is strong in many areas, there are some subjects, such as science and history, where leaders are working to strengthen curriculum plans to ensure that the specific knowledge pupils should acquire is clearly outlined for each year group.
Teachers at Thornhill Primary are well-supported by subject leaders and are skilled in checking pupils’ prior knowledge to make connections with new content. This approach helps pupils articulate their learning effectively. For instance, older pupils can discuss complex topics, such as the circulatory system, using appropriate scientific terminology.
In the early years, children receive a solid foundation as they learn the routines of school life and develop social skills. Communication and language development are prioritized, with staff engaging children in rhymes, songs, and key literature. The school has successfully fostered a love of reading, with pupils enjoying stories read by adults and gaining exposure to a wide range of authors and genres.
While the school has made strides in teaching early reading, there are areas for improvement. Some pupils do not receive tailored phonics instruction that matches their learning stage, which can hinder their reading progress. Leaders are aware of this and are working to ensure that phonics teaching is closely aligned with pupils’ needs.
Thornhill Primary has also improved support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers adapt the curriculum effectively for these pupils, providing visual aids and breaking tasks into manageable steps. Pupils develop an understanding of healthy relationships and are educated about diverse cultures and faiths, promoting respect and awareness of global issues.
The governing body is actively involved in the school’s development, providing effective oversight and support. Staff express pride in their work at Thornhill Primary, and the school is committed to continuous improvement. The arrangements for safeguarding are robust, ensuring that pupils are protected and educated about safety issues. Overall, Thornhill Primary School is a supportive and effective learning environment that prioritizes the well-being and academic success of its pupils.
