Horton Park Primary School is a vibrant and supportive educational community located in Bradford, West Yorkshire. The school has been rated as good overall, with particular strengths in personal development, which has been deemed outstanding. The staff at Horton Park Primary School are dedicated to fostering an environment where all pupils can thrive and achieve their potential. They emphasize the importance of respect and ambition through their five ways to be brilliant, which guide pupils in their learning journey. The school is inclusive, providing strong support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they are nurtured and encouraged to succeed both in mainstream classes and in the specialist provision available.
The curriculum at Horton Park is well-structured and designed to promote effective learning. Pupils show enthusiasm for their studies, although there are instances where the knowledge required for learning is not sufficiently detailed. Teachers sometimes lack clarity regarding the specific knowledge pupils need to acquire and retain, which can hinder the learning process. Despite this, the overall behavior of pupils is commendable, with most lessons being calm and focused. However, there are occasions when pupils do not fully engage, and staff may not always respond quickly enough to re-engage them. Bullying is rare, and pupils feel comfortable reporting any issues, knowing that staff will address them promptly.
The school excels in providing a wide range of educational experiences that contribute to pupils' personal development. This includes educational trips, such as visits to London, and strong careers education that challenges stereotypes about various professions. Local professionals are invited to share their experiences, enriching the pupils' understanding of the world of work. The early years provision is also well-planned, ensuring that children are prepared for their transition to Year 1. The curriculum in the early years focuses on developing language skills and core knowledge, with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities that promote physical development.
Reading is a priority at Horton Park, with staff committed to teaching pupils to read fluently and fostering a love for reading. However, there are challenges in matching reading tasks to pupils' existing knowledge, which can lead to some pupils falling behind despite additional support sessions. The behavior in lessons is generally positive, although there are times when pupils' attention may wane, and teachers do not always address this effectively.
Governors and leaders are dedicated to supporting families within the community, providing assistance for those in need. They prioritize staff development, ensuring that teachers receive training to enhance their skills and knowledge. The school has a strong personal, social, and health education curriculum that teaches pupils about safety, health, and respect for diversity. Pupils are well-prepared for secondary school, demonstrating a strong sense of fairness and community pride.
The safeguarding arrangements at Horton Park Primary School are effective, with leaders understanding the challenges faced by families in the local area. They work diligently to ensure that pupils are safe and supported, involving external agencies when necessary. Overall, while Horton Park Primary School has many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that knowledge is broken down effectively across all subjects and that phonics teaching consistently meets pupils' needs.
