St Helen’s Church of England Primary School in Hemsworth, Pontefract, has received a positive inspection report, reflecting significant improvements since its previous evaluation. The school is characterized by a welcoming environment where pupils are encouraged to develop their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. The staff's high expectations for all students are evident in the classroom, fostering a culture of respect and good manners from the early years through to Year Six. The early years foundation stage is particularly noted for its vibrant and well-structured approach, ensuring children are well-prepared for their future education.
Pupils feel safe and supported, with open lines of communication to staff regarding any concerns. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, staff respond promptly to resolve issues. The school promotes teamwork and collaboration among students, who are encouraged to support one another in their learning. This collaborative spirit is evident in classroom interactions, where pupils often seek help from their peers before approaching teachers.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities and opportunities for pupils to explore their interests, such as a recent trip to the theatre. Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, with a strong emphasis on developing literacy skills from the earliest days of schooling. The approach to reading is well-structured, allowing older pupils to engage with younger ones through shared reading experiences, fostering a community of readers.
The curriculum is designed to be broad and balanced, with clear expectations for knowledge and vocabulary across subjects. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and utilize effective assessment strategies to address misconceptions in learning. However, there is a need for further development in understanding what pupils retain in their long-term memory, as some teachers are unclear about the depth of pupils' understanding.
Support for pupils with additional needs is well-organized, ensuring that no learning is lost when they receive targeted assistance. Communication regarding these pupils' needs is efficient, allowing staff to provide appropriate support. The school has established clear expectations for behavior, and staff are trained to manage any issues effectively. Attendance is monitored closely, and while overall attendance is strong, there are still some pupils who are frequently absent.
Pupils demonstrate a solid understanding of democratic principles and respect for diversity, supported by a structured personal development curriculum that includes input from external speakers. The school’s leadership, including governors and trustees, works collaboratively to maintain high standards of education and support for staff. The professional development provided is well-received, contributing to a positive working environment.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff receiving regular training to ensure the safety and well-being of pupils. The school has a clear process for reporting concerns, and governors are trained to support safeguarding policies.
Despite the positive aspects, the school faces challenges in refining its assessment processes to better gauge pupil understanding and in addressing the issue of persistent absenteeism. Leaders are encouraged to implement strategies to reduce absenteeism and ensure that all staff consistently apply assessment policies to identify and address gaps in learning. Overall, St Helen’s Church of England Primary School is making commendable progress, providing a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
