Holy Family Catholic Primary School in Armley, Leeds, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 10 and 11, 2022. The school is described as a family by pupils, staff, parents, and carers, with the local community playing a central role in the curriculum. Pupils engage with their community through various subjects and enjoy school trips and visits, which enhance their learning experiences. For instance, a recent trip to Murton Park helped students recall facts about the Vikings. The school also encourages pupils to participate in charitable activities through the ‘Minnie Vinnies’ program, which is linked to the St. Vincent de Paul organization.
Pupils express happiness and a sense of safety at the school, a sentiment echoed by their parents. They demonstrate good behavior in lessons and throughout the school, appreciating the traffic light behavior system that rewards positive conduct. Strong relationships between pupils and staff are evident, with mutual respect being a key aspect of the school environment. Staff maintain high expectations for pupils, who feel supported in their learning and believe that mistakes are part of the learning process. The school effectively addresses any instances of bullying.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular clubs, including dance, mindfulness, and football, and promotes understanding of different faiths and beliefs among pupils. Parents hold the school in high regard and would recommend it to others. The leadership team has designed an ambitious curriculum that incorporates life experiences and local visits. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the full implementation of this curriculum, and staff have not yet assessed its effectiveness thoroughly. In some subjects, leaders need to clarify expectations for different pupil groups.
The curriculum is structured to develop key concepts, particularly in history, where pupils learn about chronology across all year groups. During the inspection, Year 3 pupils engaged in a debate about historical periods, showcasing their understanding. The school prioritizes reading, with frequent library visits and daily storytime. Staff are skilled in teaching phonics, providing additional support to weaker readers. Vocabulary development is emphasized, with staff introducing new words in early years settings.
The mathematics curriculum builds on prior learning, with lessons beginning with recap activities. Staff break down learning into manageable steps and provide timely support to pupils who need it. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are fully included in school life, receiving tailored support from the SENCo and other professionals. The school’s grounds offer various opportunities for outdoor learning and play, contributing to a positive school culture.
Staff express pride in their work and benefit from ongoing training and support from leaders, who prioritize staff well-being and workload management. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with trained staff able to identify and report concerns. Leaders are aware of local risks and collaborate with safeguarding agencies to support vulnerable pupils. The school teaches pupils about safety, including online safety, and governors conduct regular checks to ensure compliance with safeguarding procedures.
While the school has many strengths, it must continue to develop its curriculum to ensure all plans are effective and sequenced appropriately. Leaders should also enhance systems for assessing pupils' understanding of subject-specific vocabulary to gain a clearer overview of curriculum effectiveness. Overall, Holy Family Catholic Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
