Wellhouse Junior and Infant School, located in Golcar, Huddersfield, is recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 28, 2021. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, where pupils express pride in their school and enjoy the close-knit environment. The small size of the school fosters personal connections among students and staff, contributing to a supportive atmosphere. High expectations are set for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers actively monitor students' understanding and provide necessary support to ensure that all pupils can keep up with their learning.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior and are generally kind and respectful towards one another. They appreciate the support from teachers in resolving conflicts and report that bullying is rare. The school promotes a culture of openness, where pupils feel safe to voice their concerns. Attendance is high, as students enjoy learning alongside their friends. The school emphasizes equality and inclusivity, with older pupils often helping younger ones, fostering a sense of responsibility and community.
Leadership at Wellhouse is strong, with effective partnerships between school leaders and parents aimed at ensuring student success. Parents commend the leadership for creating a family-like atmosphere within the school. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, designed to meet the diverse needs of all pupils. Teachers build on prior knowledge and connect different subjects, enhancing the learning experience. Reading is a central focus, with effective planning and a variety of engaging texts used to enrich pupils' understanding of history and other subjects.
The school excels in teaching early reading and phonics, enabling pupils to acquire new sounds quickly and read confidently. Parents play an active role in supporting their children's reading at home, ensuring regular practice. Subject leaders provide valuable support to teachers, helping to develop their skills and improve teaching practices. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the assessment practices for certain subjects, such as history, where more precise identification of pupils' knowledge and skills is needed.
Pupils with special educational needs receive skilled support, with tailored plans developed in collaboration with teachers and parents. The school ensures that these pupils are included in the same curriculum journey as their peers, adapting the approach to meet individual needs. Overall, pupils with SEND achieve well.
While behavior is generally good, there are occasional lapses among older pupils during unstructured times. Younger pupils, particularly in Reception and Year 1, exhibit excellent behavior, supported by engaging play areas and attentive staff. The school promotes equality and understanding among pupils from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to work together harmoniously.
Governors play an active role in holding school leaders accountable for the quality of education and ensuring that the needs of all pupils are met. Staff express pride in their work and appreciate the support from leaders in managing workload and well-being. Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance and prompt action taken to address any concerns. Pupils feel safe and know how to report issues, confident that their concerns will be addressed.
In summary, Wellhouse Junior and Infant School is a good school that provides a supportive and inclusive environment for its pupils. The leadership, curriculum, and community engagement contribute to a positive educational experience, although there are areas for further development in assessment practices and behavior management.
