Highgate Primary Academy, located in Goldthorpe, Rotherham, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 6 and 7, 2022. The school fosters a respectful environment where pupils understand the importance of politeness and kindness. They actively listen to their teachers and engage positively with staff and visitors. The school atmosphere is generally calm and orderly, with pupils feeling comfortable reporting any concerns about unkind behavior, which rarely escalates to bullying.
Leadership at Highgate Primary Academy has been proactive in analyzing behavior trends and gathering pupil feedback to enhance the school experience. Improvements have been made, particularly during lunchtime, where a variety of activities are now available, supported by staff and older pupils who assist younger ones in participating in games. The school prioritizes teaching pupils about safety, equipping them with knowledge on online safety and peer pressure, ensuring that by Year 6, they are capable of forming healthy relationships.
The emphasis on reading is evident, with daily reading sessions led by teachers who introduce new vocabulary and story elements. Pupils are encouraged to borrow books from the library to continue their reading at home. The leadership team, including trustees and local governors, demonstrates a strong understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They focus on enhancing the curriculum and ensuring that attendance and attitudes towards learning are prioritized.
The curriculum is well-structured, outlining essential knowledge for pupils. Early years education lays a solid foundation for understanding key concepts, and teachers are clear about the milestones pupils should achieve. Leaders have identified knowledge gaps resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and have implemented strategies to address these gaps. Teachers are trained to revisit previously taught knowledge, although there are instances where recaps do not effectively reinforce core concepts necessary for building new understanding.
In the nursery, children learn to recognize sounds and words, preparing them for phonics instruction in Reception. Staff are well-equipped to teach reading, and pupils practice reading and spelling daily, enjoying books that align with their learning. Assessment in reading and mathematics is conducted effectively, allowing teachers to identify and address knowledge gaps promptly. This approach is gradually being extended to other subjects, with leaders ensuring that assessment processes remain manageable for teachers.
While teachers generally provide clear explanations and demonstrations, there are occasions when less effective methods are employed, such as independent research or copying from texts, which do not facilitate retention of knowledge. Leaders have made strides in identifying pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the same knowledge as their peers. Staff are trained to support these pupils effectively, although there is a need for greater involvement of parents in the planning and review processes.
Leaders are committed to providing all pupils with access to extracurricular activities that foster their interests. As the number of available clubs increases, efforts are made to ensure accessibility for all pupils, including those with special educational needs. The safeguarding arrangements at Highgate Primary Academy are effective, with trustees prioritizing safeguarding and ensuring staff are well-trained in recognizing and addressing risks.
In summary, Highgate Primary Academy continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, with strong leadership, a focus on safety and respect, and a commitment to improving the curriculum and teaching practices. However, there are areas for further development, particularly in ensuring that all teaching methods effectively support knowledge retention and that parents are more actively involved in the educational process for pupils with special educational needs.
