Hucklow Primary School, located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection on the 5th and 6th of June 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management also receiving a good rating. Notably, the early years provision has been recognized as outstanding. The headteacher, Laura Duckworth, leads the school, which is part of the Cascade Multi Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Sue Bridges and a board of trustees chaired by Pamela Smith.
Pupils at Hucklow Primary School express pride in attending this welcoming and inclusive institution. They report feeling happy and safe, with staff greeting them and their families warmly each morning, setting a positive tone for the school day. The school maintains high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff demonstrate a deep understanding of the children and their families, fostering strong relationships that are central to the school's ethos. Early years children receive an exceptionally positive start to their educational journey.
The school implements a consistent behaviour policy, ensuring that pupils feel treated fairly and that bullying is not tolerated. While occasional disputes arise, they are addressed seriously, although some pupils may feel uncomfortable during these incidents. The school provides a broad range of support for students with social, emotional, and mental health needs, ensuring that all pupils are nurtured and cared for.
Hucklow Primary has developed an ambitious curriculum that is well-planned and sequenced in most subjects. Pupils particularly excel in subjects like mathematics, history, and Spanish, demonstrating a strong grasp of knowledge and critical thinking skills. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in music, where the curriculum does not build effectively on prior learning. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with a positive culture surrounding books and reading materials. Phonics lessons are taught daily by well-trained staff, contributing to positive attitudes towards reading among pupils.
Despite the school's strengths, published data indicates that pupil attainment at the end of Year 6 and Year 2 was significantly below the national average in 2023. This underperformance is partly attributed to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and issues with attendance. The school has identified and quickly addressed the needs of pupils with special educational needs, providing tailored support that focuses on communication and language development.
Children in the early years benefit from a well-planned curriculum that meets their specific needs, promoting independence and exceptional behaviour. The school adopts a restorative approach to behaviour management, encouraging pupils to learn from their mistakes and resolve conflicts with adult support. However, some pupils report occasional physical altercations, indicating a need for continued emphasis on promoting positive behaviour and a calm environment.
The trust has implemented strategies to improve attendance, but challenges remain, with some pupils still not attending regularly enough. The school’s personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-structured, teaching pupils about friendship and positive traits. The commitment of the trust and school leadership to prepare pupils for future educational stages and active citizenship is evident, with a focus on staff well-being and effective governance.
The safeguarding arrangements at Hucklow Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To improve further, the school must enhance the sequencing of the curriculum across all subjects, address the discomfort some pupils feel during conflicts, and work on increasing attendance rates to ensure all pupils can build their knowledge effectively over time.
