Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, located in Hemsworth, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, underwent an inspection on November 2 and 3, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting significant improvements since the previous inspection, which had rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School benefit from a rich learning environment that extends beyond the classroom. They engage in various activities during lessons, lunchtimes, and after school, including table tennis, construction projects, and storytelling in the Starbooks café. These experiences are well-received by the pupils, who express that they learn a great deal from them. The school promotes a culture of respect through a charter created by the pupils, which encourages them to strive for excellence and perseverance. This has fostered a polite and respectful atmosphere where pupils behave well and feel safe. The school emphasizes the importance of caring for others, and any incidents of bullying are addressed promptly by teachers.
Leadership at the school has been proactive in creating a curriculum that inspires pupils. The curriculum is well-structured and ambitious, with a focus on teaching precise vocabulary in foundation subjects. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, and the sequences of learning build upon prior knowledge effectively. However, there are instances where the activities chosen by teachers do not always facilitate the recall of essential knowledge. In mathematics, teachers are adept at assessing pupils' understanding and adjusting their teaching accordingly, but this consistency is not always present in other subjects.
Early reading instruction is a strong point for the school, with phonics lessons being taught effectively. Younger pupils are enthusiastic participants, and the structured approach to phonics helps them develop their reading skills. The curriculum in the early years is also well-planned, providing a supportive environment for children to learn and grow. Adults in the early years use rich vocabulary and effective questioning to enhance children's language development.
The school has implemented a personal, social, health, and education curriculum that addresses pupils' well-being and teaches them about the risks they may face in their community. This includes lessons on internet safety and mental health awareness. The leadership team, including the chief executive officer and governing body, has played a crucial role in driving improvements and ensuring that safeguarding measures are effective. Staff members are well-supported and express appreciation for being part of a strong team.
Despite the overall positive evaluation, the school has areas for improvement. Leaders need to establish a more accurate assessment system for foundation subjects to identify gaps in pupils' knowledge effectively. Additionally, there is a need for teachers to receive training to select the most appropriate activities that support long-term knowledge retention. The school community, including parents and carers, has expressed high regard for the changes made and the support provided to pupils, indicating a positive trajectory for Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School.
