Huncote Primary School, located in Leicester, has undergone a recent inspection that has resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on March 15 and 16, 2022, and marked a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The school is characterized by a positive atmosphere where pupils express enjoyment in attending. They feel cared for by the staff, who actively promote their well-being. The presence of pupil well-being ambassadors highlights the school's commitment to fostering a supportive environment, where students look out for one another and have various channels to report concerns, including worry boxes.
The school has made strides in creating a welcoming environment where pupils are polite and well-mannered. They report minimal concerns regarding poor behavior, and any allegations of bullying are addressed promptly by teachers. The leadership team is dedicated to ensuring that all pupils develop a comprehensive understanding of the wider world, which is facilitated through a global curriculum. While pupils appreciate the support they receive from teachers, there are areas within the curriculum that require further organization to enhance learning opportunities.
A key focus for the school is to prepare pupils academically and personally for secondary education, with an emphasis on reading. The leadership has set higher expectations for the phonics curriculum, ensuring that all staff are aware of the learning objectives. Support is provided for pupils who need to catch up in phonics, and the training received by staff is effectively utilized to match reading materials with pupils' knowledge. The enjoyment of reading is evident among older pupils, who appreciate the recommendations from their teachers for diverse and challenging reading materials.
In subjects like mathematics, teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and are adept at identifying misconceptions. This enables pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, to become proficient in mathematics. The curriculum has been updated in some areas to ensure that pupils can build on prior knowledge, although there are still subjects where the planning and sequencing of the curriculum need improvement. Leaders are aware of these gaps and are actively working to address them.
Early years provision is strong, with staff quickly identifying any additional needs among children. Support is provided to ensure that children with special educational needs receive the necessary assistance to thrive. The focus on communication and vocabulary development is evident, as staff encourage children to articulate their thoughts and understand new words.
The school is also looking to expand its extracurricular activities following the easing of restrictions, with pupils expressing interest in new clubs. The school council plays a role in suggesting popular activities, fostering a sense of community and respect among pupils. Parents and carers have expressed satisfaction with the school's approach to making learning enjoyable, and they feel that the needs of pupils with special educational needs are well met.
Governors are aware of the challenges posed by the pandemic and ensure that staff workload remains manageable. Staff report feeling supported by both the trust and school leaders, contributing to a positive working environment. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks faced by pupils. Overall, Huncote Primary School is on a positive trajectory, with leaders committed to continuous improvement in all areas of the curriculum and pupil well-being.
