Huntington Primary Academy, located in York, North Yorkshire, underwent an inspection on June 6 and 7, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education and early years provision also marked as requiring improvement. However, the school demonstrated good performance in behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
Pupils at Huntington Primary Academy express pride in their school, which has a newly established leadership team that promotes a vision encapsulated in the acronym BEES: belong, embrace, encourage, succeed. This vision aims to foster a collaborative environment where pupils support one another. Despite this positive atmosphere, the curriculum is still in the early stages of development, lacking clarity in defining what pupils should learn and remember across most subjects. This has hindered pupils' ability to build knowledge progressively as they advance through their education.
The school has implemented rules to help pupils manage their behavior effectively, leading to a generally positive environment where bullying is rare. Staff consistently apply these rules, and the school has cultivated a strong sense of community, fostering positive relationships between leaders, pupils, and families. This inclusive culture contributes to pupils feeling safe and happy at school.
While the school has strengths, particularly in reading and mathematics, there are areas that require attention. Leaders have not yet clearly identified the essential knowledge and skills that pupils need to learn in most subjects, which affects the consistency of teaching and learning. As a result, pupils are not achieving their full potential across the curriculum. Leaders are currently reviewing the curriculum to ensure that it builds on prior knowledge and supports pupils' learning effectively.
In the early years, staff encourage cooperation and positive relationships among children, promoting kindness and sharing. However, the activities provided do not sufficiently prepare children for the transition to Year 1, as they lack a clear progression of knowledge and skills.
Reading is prioritized at Huntington Primary Academy, with staff receiving training to support pupils in developing their phonics knowledge. This focus has resulted in pupils becoming confident readers, with appropriate support provided for those who struggle. The school also emphasizes the importance of mathematics, where teachers help pupils build their knowledge step by step, addressing misconceptions and encouraging the use of mathematical vocabulary.
Leaders are committed to the wider development of pupils, promoting respect and celebrating diversity through various curriculum activities. Pupils engage in discussions about important social issues and participate in events that broaden their experiences. The school also prioritizes mental well-being, providing support for pupils who need it and ensuring a caring environment.
The leadership team has effectively balanced improvement priorities with staff support, leading to a positive work environment where staff feel valued and appreciated. The arrangements for safeguarding are robust, with staff trained to recognize and address any risks to pupils' welfare. Overall, while Huntington Primary Academy has made strides in several areas, it must continue to refine its curriculum and teaching practices to ensure that all pupils achieve their potential.
