Holsworthy Church of England Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 15 and 16, 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel proud, happy, and safe. Respectful interactions among pupils and staff are a hallmark of the school, attributed to its emphasis on building strong relationships. The behavior of the pupils reflects the school's core value of kindness, contributing to a conducive learning atmosphere.
Pupils exhibit a genuine enjoyment of learning, and the school is dedicated to nurturing them into respectful and responsible future citizens. The curriculum includes lessons about diverse lives beyond their immediate community, with visiting speakers sharing valuable experiences, such as those from the Windrush generation. Pupils are well-informed about safety, both online and in their community, and they trust that there are adults available to support them with any concerns.
The school offers a variety of enriching experiences, including worship at the local church led by the ethos group and opportunities for the school choir to perform at Exeter Cathedral. These activities are instrumental in building pupils' confidence. The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum has been enhanced based on published outcomes in key stage one, with a structured reading program that begins in Nursery and continues through Year Six. This approach instills a love for reading from an early age, and staff are trained to teach phonics systematically. However, there are instances where language modeling by adults could be improved, which affects vocabulary development for some pupils.
The curriculum is thoughtfully planned, allowing for progressive learning. Staff training has been effective, particularly in mathematics, where pupils enjoy engaging with challenges. The wider curriculum is rich, enabling pupils to learn about significant historical civilizations, such as Ancient Sumer and Ancient Greece. Nonetheless, there are occasions when activities do not align with the curriculum's intentions, which can hinder pupils' learning experiences.
Support for pupils with special educational needs is a strong point for the school, with close collaboration between the school and families to identify and address individual needs. Early intervention ensures that these pupils receive the necessary support to thrive within the curriculum. In the early years, children display eagerness to learn and respond positively to engaging activities that reflect their interests, ensuring they are well-prepared for the next stage of their education.
Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning, actively participating in lessons and listening attentively to their peers. The school also provides various educational opportunities beyond the formal curriculum, such as the 'Wild Tribe' area for developing practical skills and resilience, and the 'Time to Flourish' initiative that celebrates pupils' achievements.
Governors are well-informed about the school's strengths and areas for improvement, providing appropriate challenges to school leaders while ensuring staff well-being is prioritized. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, contributing to a safe environment for all pupils.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school needs to ensure that learning activities consistently align with the curriculum's intentions, enabling all pupils to achieve their full potential. Additionally, staff should improve their language modeling during reading sessions to support vocabulary development more effectively. Overall, Holsworthy Church of England Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
