Scapegoat Hill Junior and Infant School, located in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 28, 2020. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, with parents noting the friendly atmosphere and the high expectations set by the staff. The school operates within a federation with another local school, which enhances collaboration among pupils and staff. The new headteacher has implemented a clear vision for improvement, and recent leadership changes have positively impacted the curriculum across the federation. The Confident and Creative Learners sessions are central to the school's curriculum and are well-received by the school community.
Pupils at Scapegoat Hill demonstrate good behavior in lessons and express enjoyment in attending school. They feel safe and report that bullying is infrequent, with staff addressing any concerns promptly. The school organizes learning festivals, allowing pupils to engage with peers of different ages, fostering a strong community spirit that extends beyond the school through local partnerships and events.
The leadership team is aware of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They have established a robust curriculum that is planned over a two-year cycle, focusing on developing confident and creative learners. Teachers utilize CCL sessions to assess pupils' retention of knowledge. However, there is an ongoing evaluation of all subjects to ensure they are well-structured and sequenced. New curriculum leaders have yet to fully assess pupil learning across all age groups, and leaders recognize the need to refine assessment procedures for a clearer understanding of pupil progress.
In subjects like physical education, pupils effectively connect their learning across various disciplines. The mathematics curriculum supports pupils in retaining knowledge, with lessons designed to build on prior learning. Older pupils appreciate the diverse teaching methods employed by their teachers, which encourage critical thinking and hands-on learning experiences.
The school promotes a love of reading, with teachers providing a wide range of books for pupils to explore at home. The school council actively participates in selecting new books, ensuring a diverse reading selection. Pupils enjoy sharing stories with one another, fostering a culture of reading for pleasure.
In the early years, children receive a strong foundation, learning to collaborate and take turns alongside older pupils. The school has made significant strides in phonics, with organized reading materials that align with pupils' knowledge. However, some weaker readers struggle with confidence, requiring additional support to achieve fluency.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well-supported, benefiting from a culture of inclusivity. The special needs coordinator assists staff in tailoring work to meet individual needs, ensuring all pupils can develop their talents and interests through various clubs and activities.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with well-trained staff and appropriate checks for new hires. Leaders are proactive in addressing local risks, ensuring pupils are informed about safety, both online and offline.
While the school has made commendable progress, leaders acknowledge the need for coherent planning and sequencing across all subjects. They are committed to monitoring and evaluating the curriculum to enhance pupil learning outcomes. Additionally, efforts are needed to bolster the confidence of weaker readers, ensuring they receive sufficient practice to become fluent. Overall, Scapegoat Hill Junior and Infant School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
