Shibden Head Primary Academy, located in Queensbury, Bradford, has recently undergone an inspection on June 13 and 14, 2023, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school aims to inspire pupils to reach their full potential, fostering an environment where they feel safe, respected, and responsible. The relationships among staff, pupils, and families are strong, contributing to a positive school atmosphere where bullying is rare and pupils feel comfortable discussing any concerns.
Pupils demonstrate high levels of attendance and punctuality, reflecting their enjoyment of school. Leaders actively engage with families to address any barriers to attendance. The curriculum is vibrant and memorable, with practical experiences enhancing learning. For instance, Year 4 pupils have gained a deep understanding of rivers through hands-on activities. The ambitious curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build on prior knowledge and achieve well across various subjects. However, there are inconsistencies in the delivery of some subjects, such as religious education, compared to others like art. Leaders are aware of this and are working to ensure uniform quality across all subjects.
Reading is a priority at the school, with pupils expressing enthusiasm for stories and books. The library is well-stocked, and pupils engage passionately with their reading materials. A new phonics program has been implemented, and while staff teach it effectively, some distractions during lessons can hinder its effectiveness for certain pupils. Support is provided for those who need extra help to become confident readers.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, ensuring they can participate in the same curriculum as their peers. The early years provision is strong, with established routines that promote confidence and independence among children. Adults interact warmly with the children, focusing on early language and mathematics, which keeps them engaged in their learning.
The headteacher, recently appointed, has brought renewed energy and vision to the school, earning the respect of staff and the community. The commitment to reducing teacher workload and ensuring their well-being is appreciated. The governing body and trustees are well-informed about the school and work collaboratively with leaders to uphold high standards.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with all staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. The school emphasizes the importance of the home-school relationship, ensuring that pupils and families receive timely support when needed. Pupils are educated on safety topics, including online safety and healthy relationships.
While the school has made significant strides, there are areas for improvement. The curriculum, although ambitious, requires stronger oversight to ensure consistency in teaching quality across all subjects. Additionally, some pupils are not learning phonics as effectively as possible due to distractions, necessitating a review of the implementation of the phonics program to optimize learning conditions. Overall, Shibden Head Primary Academy is a supportive and effective learning environment, with leaders dedicated to continuous improvement and the well-being of their pupils.
