Christ Church Pellon CofE VC Primary School in Halifax, West Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on December 6 and 7, 2022. The school is characterized by a caring and inclusive environment where pupils feel happy and supported in their learning. Staff members have created a positive atmosphere that promotes the school's values, which are emphasized each term. Older pupils demonstrate a mature understanding of these values, contributing to a respectful school culture.
Pupils exhibit good behavior during lessons and engage actively during social times. Instances of bullying are rare, and students express confidence in the support they receive from staff when facing problems. The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular clubs, including sports and creative activities, which enhance the pupils' overall experience. The concept of respect is well understood among students, who participate in collective worship regularly, displaying respectful behavior. During the inspection, Year 1 pupils showcased their enthusiasm through their Nativity performance preparations.
Parents have expressed positive feedback about the school, particularly regarding the support provided for reading. The school has developed a broad and engaging curriculum that is regularly reviewed, although there is room for improvement in the clarity of curriculum plans and the retention of knowledge among pupils. Leaders are aware of these areas and have plans to address them. Reading is prioritized, with a new phonics scheme introduced, and staff have received training to support this initiative. The school library has been enhanced to provide additional reading materials, although some older pupils have not developed a positive attitude towards reading.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive excellent support, allowing them to access the same curriculum as their peers. Mathematics is a subject that pupils enjoy, but there are limited opportunities for them to apply their knowledge in problem-solving contexts. The history curriculum is well-structured, with engaging lessons that help pupils recall recent topics, although their retention of earlier subjects could be improved.
The personal development of pupils is a key focus for school leaders, who ensure that the curriculum is enriched through various clubs and trips. The Year 6 residential visit has been strategically scheduled to support pupils' development. The school has a strong personal, social, health, and economic education program, particularly emphasizing relationships. The introduction of a new behavior policy has positively impacted the school environment.
Staff members take pride in their work at Christ Church Pellon, appreciating the effective leadership of the headteacher. Governors are actively involved and support the school's development efforts. Safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong culture of safety in place. Leaders follow proper procedures for staff appointments and maintain thorough records of any concerns. Staff receive regular training to ensure they understand their safeguarding responsibilities, and pupils are educated on how to stay safe both online and offline.
To improve further, the school needs to provide more opportunities for pupils to develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts through reasoning and problem-solving. Additionally, teachers should focus on ensuring that pupils retain key knowledge in foundation subjects to facilitate connections in their learning. Overall, Christ Church Pellon CofE VC Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.