Whitehill Community Academy, located in Illingworth, Halifax, West Yorkshire, was inspected on January 22-23, 2020. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with consistent ratings of good across various categories including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This was the school's first inspection under section five of the Education Act 2005.
Pupils at Whitehill Community Academy are reported to be very happy and enjoy attending school, with attendance rates above the national average. They take pride in their school uniform and exhibit exemplary behaviour, with no reported incidents of bullying. The staff are proactive in resolving conflicts among pupils, fostering a supportive environment. The school offers curriculum enrichment sessions every Friday, allowing pupils to explore new skills such as woodwork, cooking, sewing, and British Sign Language.
The school is noted for its inclusivity, with a dedicated staff team to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Recent initiatives, such as the 'leaps and bounds' program, provide additional assistance to those in need. The school has a strong track record of no permanent exclusions and very few fixed-term exclusions. Parents and carers express appreciation for the support provided by the school, often choosing it for its positive reputation.
In the early years, children receive a strong start, with positive relationships between adults and children. Parents are encouraged to participate in workshops, and children are well-prepared for their transition to Year 1. However, there are concerns regarding the phonics curriculum in Year 1, where the teaching of new sounds begins later than ideal, potentially hindering progress for some pupils.
In key stage two, leaders focus on vocabulary development, but some pupils may already be familiar with the words being taught. Reading is prioritized, with parents actively involved in hearing their children read daily. However, teachers do not frequently hear pupils read their books, which could slow the progress of struggling readers. Leaders are aware of this issue and are considering adjustments to the reading curriculum to ensure a better balance between vocabulary teaching and reading practice.
The mathematics curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to apply their knowledge in problem-solving scenarios. Science lessons are engaging, with pupils enjoying hands-on investigations that reinforce their learning. History is taught regularly, and pupils express pride in their knowledge of the subject.
Teachers feel valued and supported in their roles, and the headteacher is highly regarded by both staff and pupils. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a dedicated team ensuring the safety of all pupils, including those with special dietary needs.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that phonics teaching is paced appropriately and that pupils have ample opportunities to read to adults in school. This will help all pupils, particularly those who struggle with reading, to develop confidence and fluency. Overall, Whitehill Community Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
