Holway Park Community Primary School, located in Taunton, Somerset, has shown significant improvement since its last inspection in May 2017. The school is larger than the average primary school and has a diverse student body, with a notable proportion of pupils eligible for pupil premium funding. The recent inspection, conducted in September 2019, rated the overall effectiveness of the school as good across all key areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
Pupils enjoy attending Holway Park, demonstrating positive interactions during break times and expressing satisfaction with the variety of activities available during lunch. In lessons, students are attentive and eager to learn, motivated by their desire to please their teachers. While most pupils exhibit good behavior, some struggle with self-regulation. The staff are well-equipped to support these students, fostering an inclusive environment where differences are accepted and respected. Although some pupils have reported experiences of bullying, they feel confident that staff take their concerns seriously and address issues appropriately.
The school has made commendable strides in enhancing its curriculum, particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics. Teachers design engaging lessons that build on students' prior knowledge, leading to improved progress year on year. The approach to developing writing skills has been particularly effective, resulting in high standards of written work among pupils. The school's commitment to fostering a love of reading is evident, with teachers actively promoting literature and storytelling in their classrooms.
In addition to core subjects, the school has begun to improve the planning of subjects like history and art, with leaders prioritizing staff development in these areas. This has led to more coherent lesson planning that helps pupils retain knowledge over time. However, challenges remain in subjects such as science, where the current teaching schedule may hinder students' ability to remember previously learned material.
Holway Park excels in promoting personal development, with initiatives like the eco-schools program encouraging pupils to engage with environmental issues. The school also provides opportunities for outdoor learning, which students appreciate. While attendance has improved, there are still some pupils who require additional support to achieve consistent attendance levels.
The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, including those in the specialist resource base for autism. Leaders ensure that lessons are tailored to meet the individual needs of these students, contributing to their overall success.
Despite the positive developments, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to continue evaluating the impact of their curriculum changes to ensure that pupils are retaining knowledge across all subjects. Additionally, communication with staff and parents can be enhanced to ensure that everyone is informed about important decisions and changes within the school.
Overall, Holway Park Community Primary School has made significant progress since its last inspection, creating a positive learning environment where pupils feel safe and valued. The leadership team is ambitious and committed to further improvements, ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.
