Hollinsclough Church of England Academy, located in Buxton, Staffordshire, has recently undergone an inspection on November 8 and 9, 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 lead teacher, Lynda O’Sullivan, oversees the school, which is part of The Moorlands Primary Federation trust, managed by CEO Jarred Eccles and a board of trustees chaired by Nick Chesters.
The school is characterized by a welcoming and nurturing environment, where pupils feel a sense of belonging and camaraderie. Families often travel long distances to attend, drawn by the school's unique qualities. Parents express satisfaction with the supportive atmosphere, noting that older students help younger ones, fostering a community spirit. Staff members are dedicated to understanding each pupil's needs and encouraging them to excel. The school’s timetable allows for a blend of home and school learning, which is particularly beneficial for many students in developing positive attitudes toward education.
Hollinsclough Academy has developed a well-structured curriculum that accommodates mixed-age classes. In the past year, new curriculums have been introduced with the support of the multi-academy trust. However, subject leaders have not yet fully assessed the effectiveness of the delivery of essential knowledge, which is an area for improvement. Teachers regularly monitor pupil learning and adapt their teaching to address any gaps, utilizing assessments provided by the trust to inform future planning.
In the early years, children quickly adapt to the school environment, with staff focusing on developing communication skills through interactive questioning and modeling full sentences. While learning is tailored to meet individual needs, there are some gaps in the identification of key knowledge necessary for a smooth transition to key stage one. This has led to instances where the content taught in reception does not adequately prepare pupils for subsequent learning.
Reading is a strong focus at the school, with pupils enjoying opportunities to engage with literature, including visits from a mobile library. A new phonics teaching system has been implemented, and staff are well-trained to support pupils in learning letter sounds. Parents receive guidance on how to assist their children with reading at home, contributing to the success of pupils in Reception and Year 1. Older pupils who struggle with reading are also provided with effective support to help them catch up.
Behaviour in the school is generally good, with pupils eager to learn. However, there are occasions when excitement leads to disruptions, which can hinder learning. The school is encouraged to ensure consistent application of behaviour management strategies to minimize these disruptions. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, with early identification of needs and additional adult assistance in lessons.
The school promotes diversity and prepares pupils for life in modern Britain through educational visits and outdoor learning experiences. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. While the school has made significant strides, it is essential to continue monitoring the new curriculums and refine the early years curriculum to ensure all pupils are well-prepared for future learning. Overall, Hollinsclough Church of England Academy provides a supportive and engaging educational experience for its pupils.
