Highcliffe Primary School and Community Centre, located in Birstall, Leicester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 11 and 12, 2022. The leadership team demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering high aspirations for all students, emphasizing the development of personal qualities encapsulated in the six Rs: reciprocity, respect, responsibility, resilience, resourcefulness, and reflection. Students are aware of these values and strive to embody them in their daily activities, contributing to a positive school culture where hard work is linked to achieving personal goals.
The school environment is characterized by happy students who enjoy positive relationships with their teachers, who serve as role models. This mutual respect extends among students, who treat each other kindly and uphold a supportive atmosphere. Staff maintain high expectations for student behavior and actively seek to support those who may struggle in the busy school setting. Students are educated about bullying, its various forms, and feel confident in reporting any incidents, assured that their concerns will be addressed promptly.
Highcliffe Primary School has developed an effective curriculum tailored to meet the needs of its pupils. The curriculum is designed to ensure that essential knowledge is retained over time, with a particular focus on mathematics, where teachers guide students through a structured learning process. As students gain confidence, they are encouraged to tackle more complex problems, fostering a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. However, there are a few subjects where the curriculum plans could benefit from clearer delineation of the incremental steps necessary for achieving overall learning objectives.
Teachers regularly assess students' retention of prior knowledge through retrieval practices and utilize assessments effectively to identify misconceptions. The school provides strong support for students with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can fully participate in school life. Parents of these students generally express satisfaction with the support provided.
Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, with a new phonics program recently implemented. Early years students are introduced to phonics from the outset, allowing them to read and write simple words. However, there is room for improvement in the consistency of one-on-one reading sessions, as some adults may not fully capitalize on learning opportunities during these interactions.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-structured, preparing students to become responsible citizens. Activities celebrating diversity and promoting mental health awareness are integrated into the school calendar, enhancing students' understanding of social issues. The school also engages students in social justice projects and fundraising activities, further enriching their educational experience.
The trust overseeing the school provides effective support, with staff feeling well-supported in their roles. Governors are actively involved in holding leaders accountable for the school's priorities. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks to student safety. Students are encouraged to express their concerns through worry boxes, reinforcing a culture of trust and support.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school should ensure that all curriculum plans explicitly outline the necessary learning steps. Additionally, there is a need for consistent expectations regarding how staff support students during reading sessions to improve fluency and comprehension. Overall, Highcliffe Primary School and Community Centre continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment for its students.
