St John’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Junior and Infant School in Golcar, Huddersfield, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on November 23 and 24, 2023. The school fosters a caring and happy environment where pupils enjoy learning and playing. The welcoming events held at the beginning of the school year help students feel confident as they transition into new classes, reinforcing a positive school culture with the motto “You are awesome, so be awesome.”
Pupils actively participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports events with other schools and a well-regarded school choir. Leadership opportunities are available for students, who take their roles on the school council seriously. The school emphasizes the importance of hard work and reaching full potential, and pupils respond positively to these expectations, achieving well across most subjects.
The school’s core values of love, honesty, forgiveness, respect, and friendship are evident in the interactions among pupils and between pupils and staff. From the start of Reception, children learn essential social skills such as following instructions, listening, sharing, and taking turns. This positive behavior is maintained as they progress through the school.
The curriculum is ambitious and inclusive, catering for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. It is designed to reflect the characteristics of the pupils and the local heritage. Learning is structured effectively from Reception through to Year 6, with a focus on essential vocabulary in each subject. However, there are some subjects where pupils do not consistently know or use important subject-specific vocabulary, which can hinder their ability to articulate and improve their work.
Teachers receive regular training to enhance their subject knowledge, which boosts their confidence and effectiveness in delivering the curriculum. They utilize high-quality resources to clarify concepts and model expected work. Regular assessments allow teachers to monitor pupil progress, although there are instances where assessment information is not used effectively to inform future teaching in certain subjects.
Reading is a priority at the school, with children starting to learn from the beginning of Reception. Staff provide a diverse range of books that align with pupils' reading levels, ensuring that nearly all pupils, including those with SEND, keep pace with their peers. Support is provided for those who fall behind, enabling them to catch up. The emphasis on reading continues into Key Stage 2, where pupils engage with a variety of texts for enjoyment and skill development.
The school effectively supports pupils with SEND, ensuring they benefit from all aspects of school life. Staff quickly identify their needs and provide appropriate support, allowing these pupils to enjoy learning and make good progress. Positive relationships among pupils and between pupils and adults are based on mutual respect, contributing to excellent behavior in lessons and social settings.
The school promotes cultural awareness through its curriculum and educational visits, encouraging pupils to celebrate diversity and engage in fundraising for various causes. Staff feel valued by school leaders, who consider their workload and well-being when implementing changes. The school maintains strong engagement with parents and carers, organizing regular events to foster community involvement.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. While the school has many strengths, it must address the need for consistent use of subject-specific vocabulary across all subjects and improve the use of assessment information in certain foundation subjects to enhance learning outcomes. Overall, St John’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Junior and Infant School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
