Horbury St Peter’s and Clifton CofE Primary School in Wakefield has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 8 and 9, 2022. The school is characterized by a clear vision and ethos, with both pupils and staff able to articulate how their work aligns with the school’s values. The atmosphere within the school is positive and nurturing, fostering a sense of safety among pupils who feel comfortable seeking help from adults when needed. Staff actively promote kindness and respect, contributing to a culture of high expectations regarding behavior and conduct. Pupils demonstrate respect and politeness, working diligently in lessons and moving around the school in an orderly manner. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they occur, staff address them effectively.
The leadership team is ambitious about pupil achievement and has carefully considered the curriculum, including the order of content delivery and the vocabulary necessary for each year group and subject. Leaders are passionate about their subjects and aim to instill a similar enthusiasm in pupils. The curriculum is closely linked to the school’s values, and pupils express excitement about their learning across various subjects. They appreciate the opportunities for independent reading and class discussions. However, there is a recognition that more regular assessments are needed to gauge pupils' understanding and retention of knowledge.
The school has implemented a new phonics curriculum starting in Reception, acknowledging the importance of reading instruction. While there are systems in place to identify pupils needing additional reading support, the effectiveness of these sessions varies, and some pupils may not receive the precise help they require. Pupils are engaged in discussions about their reading choices, and the school promotes diverse literature to enhance understanding of various social issues.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is generally effective, particularly for those with education, health, and care plans. Leaders proactively seek external support when necessary. However, there are areas for improvement in the precision of support provided to some pupils with SEND, as this can impact their progress.
In the early years, children receive a strong foundation for their education, with established routines that promote independence. Staff are knowledgeable about early childhood learning and effectively support children’s development. The personal, social, and health education curriculum equips pupils with knowledge about safety, consent, and healthy relationships, fostering an understanding of diversity and discrimination.
Staff feel supported by leadership, with attention given to their well-being and workload. The school has made adjustments to accommodate the increased demands of curriculum development. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a culture of vigilance and clear systems for identifying pupils and families needing support. Staff are knowledgeable about the community and aware of the vulnerabilities some pupils may face.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school needs to ensure consistent delivery of the phonics curriculum by all staff and improve assessment strategies in the wider curriculum to provide clearer insights into pupil progress. Additionally, refining the support for some pupils with SEND will help ensure they make optimal progress in their learning. Overall, Horbury St Peter’s and Clifton CofE Primary School continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, with a strong commitment to their safety, well-being, and academic success.
