Hodge Clough Primary School, located in Moorside, Oldham, has undergone an ungraded inspection on July 10 and 11, 2024. The overall judgement remains good, although evidence suggests that a graded inspection might yield a lower rating. The school is characterized by a warm and friendly atmosphere where pupils feel proud to belong. Strong relationships between staff and students foster a sense of care and support, contributing to the overall happiness of the pupils. The school emphasizes kindness and positive behavior, which is evident in the calmness of lessons and the motivation of pupils to achieve recognition for their good conduct.
Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as Year 5 students supporting younger peers, which helps younger pupils transition smoothly between school sites. The curriculum is ambitious and designed to build knowledge progressively from Nursery to Year 6. However, there are concerns regarding the effectiveness of lesson delivery in some subjects, leading to gaps in pupils' learning and achievement. While the school provides a range of enriching experiences, including trips and visits, the implementation of the curriculum varies across subjects.
In subjects where staff design effective learning activities, pupils demonstrate a solid understanding of the material. Conversely, in other subjects, there is a lack of emphasis on essential knowledge, and staff do not consistently check for understanding, resulting in some pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, falling behind. Reading is a strong focus at the school, with pupils showing enthusiasm for class novels and early years activities that prepare them for phonics. However, support for struggling readers is sometimes insufficient, hindering their progress.
The school has made strides in identifying additional needs among pupils and provides staff with the necessary information to support these students effectively. Despite this, pupils with special educational needs experience similar challenges in curriculum delivery as their peers, which can impede their learning. The school's approach to personal development is integrated into all aspects of school life, with initiatives like student council elections promoting understanding of democracy and community involvement.
Pupils generally conduct themselves well, displaying politeness and respect. The school has implemented strategies to help those who struggle with behavior, fostering self-regulation. Attendance is mostly good, although recent staffing disruptions have affected monitoring efforts. The governing body has seen new members who are enhancing oversight and support for the school, while staff appreciate the consideration given to their workload.
The safeguarding arrangements at Hodge Clough Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To improve, the school needs to ensure that teachers deliver the curriculum more effectively across all subjects, enabling pupils to learn as intended. There is a need for a stronger understanding of assessment strategies to identify and address gaps in knowledge. Additionally, staff should receive training to better support pupils who struggle with reading, ensuring that all students have access to appropriately matched reading materials. Overall, while the school demonstrates many strengths, addressing these areas for improvement will be crucial for enhancing the educational experience for all pupils.
