Gomersal St Mary’s Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, has received a positive inspection report, reflecting its overall effectiveness as good. The school demonstrates high expectations for pupil achievement, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils are reported to achieve well, which is evident in the school’s published outcomes. The nurturing relationships between staff and pupils foster a respectful culture, contributing to good behavior and positive attitudes towards learning. Pupils feel safe and happy in their environment.
The school encourages pupils to take on leadership roles, such as participating in the eco council, where they engage in activities that promote environmental awareness. This involvement helps pupils understand the impact of human actions on the world and the importance of recycling. The curriculum is enhanced through partnerships with external experts, including local services that provide valuable lessons on safety and financial responsibility. The school ensures that all pupils, including those with SEND, have access to a variety of extracurricular activities, which support their personal development and interests.
Pupils are actively engaged in community service, participating in charity events and contributing to local food banks. The school prioritizes reading, providing staff with appropriate training to effectively teach early reading skills. Regular assessments help track pupil progress, allowing for timely interventions when necessary. The school has invested in a diverse range of books, motivating pupils to practice their reading skills, which are well-matched to their phonics knowledge.
The curriculum is well-structured and sequenced, promoting a calm and focused learning atmosphere. Pupils are encouraged to listen to one another and engage in discussions. Mathematics lessons are particularly well-organized, allowing pupils to revisit previous learning, which aids in memory retention. However, there are inconsistencies in other subjects, leading to some pupils struggling to remember what they have learned.
The school effectively identifies the specific learning needs of pupils with SEND, collaborating with parents and external agencies to tailor learning experiences. In the early years, a variety of effective learning activities are implemented, focusing on language development and vocabulary enhancement. The school maintains strong communication with parents, offering workshops to support reading at home.
Leaders at the school have high ambitions for pupil learning and experience, making purposeful changes to the curriculum that positively impact educational outcomes. While most subjects are monitored effectively, there are areas where the school lacks a clear understanding of curriculum impact, hindering targeted improvements. The school is committed to enhancing pupils' personal development, teaching them about health, tolerance, and online safety.
Staff express satisfaction with the support they receive from leaders, noting that curriculum documents help manage their workload. Governance is strong, with active involvement from the governing body, ensuring effective systems are in place to fulfill their responsibilities. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, prioritizing pupil safety and well-being.
To improve, the school needs to develop a clearer understanding of the curriculum's impact across all subjects, ensuring that improvements are aligned with areas in need. Additionally, the school should focus on supporting pupils in transferring their learning to long-term memory, enhancing their depth of knowledge. Overall, Gomersal St Mary’s is a school that fosters a positive learning environment, prioritizing pupil achievement and personal development while recognizing areas for growth.
