South Crosland Church of England Voluntary Aided Junior School in Huddersfield has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 3 and 4, 2023. The school is committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment where pupils are encouraged to support one another. The leadership team has established a vision that inspires students to treat each other with kindness and respect. This culture is evident in the various leadership roles available to pupils, such as pupil buddies and lunchtime supervisors, which promote responsibility and community spirit. The school environment is described as harmonious, with pupils feeling safe and happy.
The curriculum at South Crosland is ambitious and designed to engage all pupils. Leaders have prioritized reading, ensuring that teachers are well-equipped to support students in developing their reading skills. The phonics program is consistently implemented, helping pupils become fluent readers. Daily reading sessions expose students to a variety of literature, fostering enthusiasm for stories and characters. However, there is a need for more precise support for those who struggle with reading, particularly in encouraging them to utilize their phonics knowledge effectively.
In mathematics, the curriculum is structured to build knowledge progressively, allowing pupils to develop confidence in their skills. For instance, students learn to use coordinates and plot shapes accurately. In music, they gain skills in notating rhythms, which aids their composition work. Regular assessments ensure that pupils retain important knowledge, and misconceptions are addressed promptly.
The school is inclusive, with pupils with special educational needs and disabilities following the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Leaders work diligently to remove barriers to learning, ensuring that all staff are trained to support these pupils effectively. As a result, students with SEND are able to master new knowledge quickly and become confident learners.
The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum helps pupils understand online safety and the importance of protecting personal information. However, there are gaps in the curriculum regarding other aspects of PSHE, as leaders have not clearly identified the essential knowledge pupils need in this area.
Pupil leadership is a significant aspect of the school, with students taking on roles that benefit the local community. Initiatives such as playground leaders and school counselors demonstrate the respect and responsibility pupils have for one another and their surroundings. The governing body actively supports and challenges school leaders, ensuring that staff well-being is prioritized, which contributes to a positive working environment.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong culture of safety established within the school. Staff receive regular training and are vigilant in identifying and addressing any concerns regarding pupil welfare. Thorough records are maintained, and leaders collaborate with external agencies when necessary to ensure the safety of vulnerable pupils.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders should focus on providing further training for staff to enhance their ability to support pupils struggling with reading. Additionally, the curriculum for PSHE needs to be refined to address gaps in pupils' understanding of key topics. Overall, South Crosland Church of England Voluntary Aided Junior School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
