Endsleigh Holy Child VC Academy, located in Hull, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 11 and 12, 2022. The school embodies the values of excellence, harmony, and compassion, which are evident in the daily interactions among pupils and staff. Students express positive sentiments regarding how these values influence their lives, contributing to a calm and orderly environment in classrooms. Pupils are quick to follow instructions and report that instances of bullying are infrequent. They feel that everyone is treated equally and appreciate the encouragement to respect diverse backgrounds. The school has effectively educated pupils on online safety, ensuring they understand the importance of not engaging with unknown individuals and recognizing age restrictions on online games.
Leadership opportunities abound for pupils, including roles in the school council, eco council, and as classroom monitors. The school encourages students to engage in charitable activities, exemplified by Year 6 pupils raising funds for a hospice following a religious education unit on healing. The leadership team has also developed a pledge that allows pupils to experience various activities, such as seasonal walks, farm visits, and performances.
The curriculum is designed to build on prior knowledge, starting from early years and progressing through key stages one and two. Leaders have created support documents for each unit, outlining key concepts and vocabulary. However, there is room for improvement in challenging higher-attaining pupils within the wider curriculum, as evidence of this challenge is limited in their workbooks. The school has prioritized early reading, with teachers grouping pupils based on their phonics knowledge and providing additional support for those who need it. Despite improvements in letter formation prior to the pandemic, some pupils have experienced a decline in this area due to remote learning.
In mathematics, the school has adopted a mastery approach, which has shown positive results in pupils' recall of key facts. Pupils enjoy mathematics and can connect their learning to previous knowledge. The special educational needs and disabilities coordinator is new to the role and has identified the need for clearer targets for pupils with SEND. While there is training in place for staff, the implementation of these targets in the wider curriculum needs to be more consistent to ensure progress.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with regular training for staff and a well-maintained register of checks on individuals working in the school. Leaders are proactive in addressing local risks, such as water safety, by collaborating with external organizations to provide relevant lessons.
To enhance the school's performance, leaders should ensure that the ambition for all pupils is evident in the wider curriculum and that the targets for pupils with SEND are consistently reflected across all subjects. The school has demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement, supported by a nurturing environment for both staff and pupils. Overall, Endsleigh Holy Child VC Academy continues to provide a positive educational experience, fostering a sense of community and respect among its students.
