Higham St John's Church of England Primary School, located in Burnley, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 15, 2021. The school fosters a friendly and welcoming environment where pupils take pride in their community. They describe their teachers as kind, helpful, and fun, which contributes to the warm relationships rooted in the school's caring Christian ethos. The staff ensures that all students are treated with kindness and respect, creating a happy and safe atmosphere for learning.
Pupils enjoy the beautiful school grounds, where they engage in activities such as growing vegetables and flowers as part of their curriculum. They also participate in various outdoor sports and activities during lunchtime, appreciating the calmness of the school's outdoor reflection area. The curriculum is designed to be engaging and ambitious, with leaders committed to ensuring that all pupils succeed, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The school encourages pupils to explore their future career aspirations through events like dreams and aspirations days, where they can participate in diverse activities such as self-defense, calligraphy, and interior design. Behaviour in the school is commendable, with pupils being attentive and respectful during lessons. Any minor incidents of misbehaviour are promptly addressed by staff, and pupils feel confident that adults will take appropriate action if bullying occurs.
Leaders have developed a well-balanced curriculum that aligns with the national curriculum, and staff have received training to enhance their teaching expertise. Pupils leave the school with a broad range of knowledge across various subjects, and thoughtful adaptations are made to ensure that all pupils, including those with SEND, have access to the same curriculum. Leaders have identified key knowledge that pupils should learn and remember, ensuring that learning builds on prior knowledge.
Regular assessments are conducted to monitor pupil progress, particularly in subjects like mathematics, English, and science. However, in some subjects, assessment systems are still being refined, which means that teachers may not have precise insights into pupils' retention of important knowledge. Leaders work closely with professionals, such as educational psychologists, to ensure that pupils' additional needs are quickly identified and addressed.
Pupils are encouraged to read for pleasure, and older students express enthusiasm for the diverse range of books available to them. Staff have received effective training in phonics instruction, which is delivered in a structured manner. While most pupils use their phonics knowledge successfully, a small number of younger pupils struggle with reading fluency. Plans are in place to provide additional reading practice for these students.
The school promotes a strong sense of community and encourages pupils to appreciate diversity and equality. Pupils actively participate in charitable fundraising and engage with the local parish, enhancing their spiritual awareness. Governors have improved their skills through training, ensuring they effectively support and challenge school leaders.
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training to identify and report concerns. Leaders collaborate with external agencies to provide necessary support for pupils and their families. Through the curriculum, pupils learn about potential harm and understand the importance of speaking to trusted adults when feeling unsafe.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some subject leaders need to strengthen their understanding of the learning steps in the Reception class to build a solid foundation for future learning. Additionally, leaders should ensure that assessment systems are fully developed across all subjects to accurately gauge pupil understanding and retention of the curriculum. Overall, Higham St John's Church of England Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
