Horbury Bridge Church of England Junior and Infant Academy has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 8, 2023. The school demonstrates high expectations for pupil achievement, particularly in English and mathematics, while also emphasizing the importance of character development and citizenship. The school's heritage, rooted in the hymn Onward, Christian Soldiers, inspires staff and pupils alike to aspire to be caring and responsible global citizens. The positive school environment is characterized by kindness among pupils, with no incidents of bullying reported. This supportive atmosphere contributes to pupils feeling happy and safe.
The new headteacher, who joined in April 2022, has initiated changes to the wider curriculum, although some teachers are still developing their subject leadership skills. The governors are experienced and recognize the workload pressures on staff, leading to a strategic decision to join a larger multi-academy trust. This partnership has provided valuable subject leadership training, helping to alleviate staff workload.
In the early years, children thrive in a nurturing environment where they develop strong relationships with adults and peers. The curriculum is designed to enhance communication and language skills, with ample opportunities for reading, writing, and counting. Staff are skilled in teaching early reading, employing consistent phonics strategies that engage pupils effectively. The school's approach to mathematics is equally strong, with teachers demonstrating good subject knowledge and utilizing resources effectively to support learning.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are fully included in lessons and make good progress from their individual starting points. The school employs various strategies to support pupils who may struggle emotionally, ensuring that all pupils can achieve well. Recent curriculum reviews have led to well-sequenced learning experiences across subjects, including history, where pupils can recall significant events and their implications.
The school's commitment to broader pupil development is evident through exceptional opportunities for extracurricular activities, such as raft-building and music programs. The Christian ethos permeates the curriculum, fostering a commitment to sustainability and charitable causes. Pupils actively engage in community initiatives, demonstrating their understanding of moral responsibilities.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a vigilant culture ensuring that all staff are trained and aware of potential risks. The headteacher has refreshed safeguarding training, and staff are knowledgeable about the signs of potential harm. The school collaborates closely with external professionals to maintain a safe environment for all pupils.
While the school excels in many areas, there is a need for ongoing professional development for recently appointed middle leaders to ensure consistency in subject knowledge and teaching content. Leaders are encouraged to provide the necessary training to enhance the effectiveness of subject leaders in monitoring educational quality.
Overall, Horbury Bridge Church of England Junior and Infant Academy continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, fostering both academic success and personal growth. The school is well-positioned to build on its strengths and address areas for improvement, ensuring that it remains a good school in the future.
