Holmfirth Junior Infant and Nursery School is a well-regarded institution located in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire. The school has been recognized for its caring environment and high expectations for all pupils. During the inspection conducted on June 14 and 15, 2022, it was confirmed that the school continues to be classified as a good school. Pupils express pride in their school and report feeling safe and well cared for by the staff. They demonstrate an understanding of bullying and acknowledge that it is a rare occurrence within the school community.
The school excels in providing support for pupils' personal development, ensuring that they appreciate diversity and understand healthy relationships through a well-structured personal, social, and health education curriculum. This focus helps pupils manage risks and maintain safety in various situations. The atmosphere in classrooms is calm and purposeful, with pupils generally displaying good behavior and a positive attitude towards learning. Parents commend the school for its efforts in nurturing pupils as individuals and responsible citizens.
The leadership team has carefully considered the subject knowledge that pupils need to acquire and the sequence in which it should be taught. This approach generally allows new knowledge to build on prior learning. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly concerning pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum does not always adequately identify the essential knowledge these pupils need to learn, which can hinder their progress.
Reading instruction is prioritized, with teachers ensuring that pupils engage with books that align with their phonics learning. This strategy supports pupils in becoming fluent readers. The youngest pupils quickly learn letter sounds and apply this knowledge to their reading. The school library offers a diverse selection of books, and older pupils are encouraged to read widely, including classic literature. Support is readily available for pupils who need to catch up in their reading skills.
In mathematics, pupils understand the connection between multiplication facts and fractions, and early years teaching emphasizes counting skills. Inspectors noted that children could identify quantities without counting, demonstrating their understanding of patterns. However, the presentation of some pupils' work needs improvement, as it can lead to misunderstandings that are not always addressed by teachers.
The early years environment is welcoming and promotes language, reading, and numeracy. Children engage in collaborative learning and develop social skills through play, which enhances their overall learning experience. The school offers a robust personal development program, providing a variety of enrichment activities that encourage active participation from pupils. They take on roles such as road safety officers and school councillors, contributing positively to the school community.
Pupils demonstrate a good understanding of British values and are prepared for life in modern Britain. They appreciate the absence of a school uniform, which allows them to express their individuality. The governing body is actively involved in the school, providing effective support and challenge to the leadership team.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to identify and address risks to pupils. The school collaborates with external agencies to support pupils in need. Overall, while Holmfirth Junior Infant and Nursery School has many strengths, it must focus on enhancing the curriculum for pupils with special educational needs and ensuring consistent expectations for the quality of recorded work across all classes.
