Little Houghton Church of England Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on April 24, 2024. The school is characterized by a warm and nurturing environment, fostering a strong sense of community among its pupils. The Christian values embedded in the school’s ethos are evident in the curriculum, which emphasizes growth, community, spirituality, and environmental awareness. Pupils exhibit politeness and respect towards one another and adults, and they take pride in their achievements. The school promotes a love for learning, with students expressing enjoyment in their educational experiences.
The curriculum at Little Houghton is ambitious, with staff maintaining high expectations for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils demonstrate conscientiousness in their lessons, showing sustained concentration and enthusiasm. The school encourages pupils to reflect on their behavior and provides effective support for those needing assistance in managing their emotions.
In the early years, children receive a strong start, benefiting from a well-resourced and organized environment that promotes exploration and learning through play. Staff skillfully engage children by asking thought-provoking questions and helping them expand their vocabulary. The emphasis on early reading is evident, with staff well-trained in delivering the phonics program. Regular assessments ensure that pupils who may fall behind receive the necessary support to catch up, leading to rapid progress in reading fluency and confidence.
Mathematics instruction is effective, with pupils confidently using mathematical vocabulary and explaining their problem-solving methods. The curriculum across most subjects is ambitious and well-planned, with a particularly high standard in history. The history curriculum is designed around key themes, allowing pupils to develop their chronological understanding and historical vocabulary through engaging lessons.
The school prepares pupils for life in modern Britain by teaching them about equality and the importance of diversity. Pupils are knowledgeable about fundamental British values and actively participate in various clubs and activities that nurture their interests and talents. They eagerly take on responsibilities, such as being anti-bullying ambassadors and members of the sports crew, and they engage in charity work.
Staff at Little Houghton are positive about their work environment, feeling well-supported in terms of workload and well-being. The school collaborates effectively with other local schools for staff training and development, which is highly valued by the staff. The governing body plays an active role in supporting the school and fulfilling its statutory duties.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the reading curriculum beyond phonics. While the school has set end points for reading, further refinement is needed to ensure that learning builds incrementally on what pupils know. Leaders are encouraged to clarify expectations for what should be taught at each stage of education to enhance pupils’ retention and understanding of the reading curriculum.
Overall, Little Houghton Church of England Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, with a strong emphasis on community values, high expectations, and effective support for all pupils. The school is well-positioned to build on its strengths and address areas for improvement to further enhance the educational experience for its students.
