Moorside Community Primary School in Halifax, West Yorkshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on February 2 and 3, 2023. The school has established a strong sense of community, with pupils expressing pride in their school and describing it as a family where everyone looks after one another. The school promotes a culture of respect and positive relationships, contributing to a safe and happy environment for students. Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning, and behaviour expectations are consistently upheld by staff, resulting in calm and respectful conduct both inside and outside the classroom.
The curriculum at Moorside is ambitious and inclusive, catering for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and disabilities. The planning and sequencing of the curriculum are well thought out, enabling pupils to reach high standards. The school places a strong emphasis on local context, with pupils engaging in well-planned visits and interactions with local authors and community figures. Reading is prioritized, with teachers identifying pupils needing additional support and addressing their specific learning needs. However, there is a need for further development in ensuring that all staff have the necessary expertise to support the lowest-attaining pupils in reading effectively.
Mathematics instruction is also carefully planned, although there is room for improvement in assessment practices to ensure that all pupils receive the support they need. In the early years, there is a focus on vocabulary acquisition and effective communication, with strong relationships between staff and children. Parental engagement is emphasized through various initiatives, allowing families to be involved in their children's learning from the outset.
Pupils with special educational needs access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers, supported by appropriate in-class resources and additional adult assistance. Behaviour is generally calm and orderly, with staff effectively managing any low-level disruptions. The school’s pastoral support is a notable strength, with staff well-equipped to address the needs of pupils, including their mental health and well-being. Various support programs are in place, such as the Zones of Regulation Stations, which help pupils manage their emotions and develop coping strategies.
Attendance is a priority for the school, with policies in place to support families facing challenges. The extracurricular program is well-considered, enhancing pupils' wider development and addressing local community issues. Staff express positive sentiments regarding leadership's consideration of their workload and well-being, feeling valued and listened to.
Governance is effective, with governors understanding their roles and ensuring the school has a clear vision and strategy. Safeguarding arrangements are robust, with leaders prioritizing pupil safety and ensuring staff are well-trained. The curriculum includes opportunities for pupils to learn about safety, both in general and online, and pupils know how to report concerns.
Despite the school's strengths, there are areas for improvement. The lowest-attaining pupils require stronger support in early reading to build their confidence and skills. Additionally, some pupils have gaps in their mathematical understanding, necessitating careful assessment to address these gaps effectively. Overall, Moorside Community Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all its pupils.
