Golcar Junior Infant and Nursery School, located in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 8 and 9, 2022. The school is described by its pupils as a happy and safe environment where they feel cared for. Students express that the school focuses on learning and friendship, and they appreciate the support and high expectations set by their teachers. The positive relationships between staff and pupils contribute to a culture of celebration for achievements, fostering a sense of community.
The leadership team has made significant strides in improving the curriculum, ensuring that it is well-planned and allows pupils to build knowledge over time. The curriculum is designed to help students make connections with prior learning, particularly in subjects like history, where pupils understand the influence of different periods on one another. Teachers employ various strategies to deepen understanding, and pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support to access the curriculum alongside their peers.
Pupils are regularly informed about bullying and are taught to treat each other with respect. They understand how to report bullying and feel confident that their concerns will be taken seriously. The school promotes a culture where bullying is rare and effectively addressed when it occurs.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. Assessment practices in foundation subjects do not align closely with the new curriculum plans, making it challenging for teachers to gauge what pupils have retained over time. Additionally, although the school has introduced a new phonics scheme for early reading, staff exhibit varying levels of expertise in delivering this program, which affects the consistency of support for pupils learning to read.
The school prioritizes literacy development, with a focus on vocabulary across the curriculum. Daily story time is enjoyed by pupils, who articulate the lessons learned from these stories. Parents commend the school for its support of pupils with special educational needs, particularly in the early years, and for its efforts to address mental health needs following the pandemic.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior in lessons, remaining engaged and focused on their learning. They are encouraged to cooperate and treat each other kindly during social times, fostering an inclusive atmosphere. The school emphasizes the importance of diversity and respect, integrating these themes into various subjects and explicitly teaching them in personal, social, health, and economics education.
The interim leadership team has effectively guided the school through a transitional period, with staff feeling supported and valued. Safeguarding arrangements are robust, ensuring that pupils learn how to keep themselves safe, particularly online. Leaders maintain effective monitoring systems for vulnerable pupils and collaborate with external agencies to provide necessary support.
In summary, Golcar Junior Infant and Nursery School is a good school that provides a nurturing environment for its pupils. While it has made significant improvements in curriculum and support for diverse learners, there are areas for growth, particularly in assessment practices and phonics instruction. The school community is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive atmosphere where all pupils can thrive.
