Highfield Community Primary School, located in Chorley, Lancashire, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, achieving a rating of good in various areas including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The inspection conducted on September 17-18, 2019, highlighted that pupils feel happy and safe at the school, with staff providing a supportive environment. Pupils reported that teachers treat them fairly and address any instances of bullying effectively. The school emphasizes four key drivers: health, culture, aspirations, and community, which guide the actions of leaders and staff.
Leaders are committed to ensuring that all pupils succeed academically and personally. They have enhanced the curriculum to ensure that pupils not only learn essential subjects but also develop important life skills. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs and competitive sports, which pupils enjoy. Additionally, pupils have opportunities to participate in decision-making processes through the school council and sports council.
The school places a strong emphasis on safety and well-being, providing education on personal safety, including the use of technology. Initiatives like the daily run for a mile promote physical fitness and healthy habits among pupils. The report indicates that pupils achieve well due to the structured approach to learning, with leaders understanding the necessary progression in the curriculum. Subject leaders support teachers in planning lessons that build on prior knowledge, ensuring a coherent learning experience.
Reading is prioritized from the early years, with children learning phonics and progressing to reading simple texts quickly. The school monitors pupils' progress closely, providing additional support when needed to ensure that most pupils become fluent readers by the end of Year 2. However, the selection of reading materials in key stage 2 is somewhat limited, lacking a diverse range of high-quality literature from well-known authors.
In mathematics, a new teaching approach has been introduced, focusing on problem-solving and calculation skills. Nonetheless, there is a need for more opportunities for pupils to apply their mathematical knowledge in various contexts. The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they are included in all aspects of school life. Staff in the nurture group play a crucial role in helping these pupils develop emotional understanding and confidence.
Pupils demonstrate a good understanding of right and wrong and generally treat each other kindly. They are aware of different faiths and cultures, with opportunities to learn about British values through activities such as visits to the Houses of Parliament. The governing body is engaged in the school's development, ensuring resources are used effectively to support pupil learning and safety. However, some governors are new and require further training to fulfill their roles effectively.
In the early years, staff are well-trained and foster positive relationships with children, helping them settle into school routines. The early years leader has a clear vision for children's learning, ensuring they are well-prepared for Year 1. Overall, the school is effective in providing a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, although there are areas for improvement, particularly in expanding the range of reading materials and enhancing opportunities for applying mathematical skills in different situations.
