Following the short inspection of Holbrook Church of England Primary School on 2 July 2019, it has been confirmed that the school continues to provide a good quality of education. The leadership team has effectively maintained this standard since the last inspection in December 2011. The school is part of the Derbyshire Diocesan Academy Trust, which has facilitated collaboration on school improvement initiatives. Staff and governors benefit from opportunities to share best practices, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the school.
Pupils express enjoyment in attending school and appreciate the variety of activities available to them. They engage enthusiastically in learning and social interactions, with many highlighting their enjoyment of discovering new things. The school offers a diverse range of experiences, including educational trips and extracurricular activities, which help to build pupils' confidence and skills. The school choir regularly performs in the local church, and pupils participate in sports, enhancing their physical development.
Pupils take pride in their roles and responsibilities, such as serving on the school council and acting as table captains. They actively contribute to fundraising efforts for various charities, demonstrating a sense of community and social responsibility. The school fosters an environment where pupils feel safe and confident in expressing their concerns, knowing they will be addressed promptly.
Parents and carers hold the leadership and staff in high regard, appreciating the care and support provided to their children. They are encouraged to participate in school activities and workshops, which help them support their children's learning at home. The positive feedback from parents reflects a strong partnership between the school and families.
The school promotes a culture of professional development for staff, who collaborate with other schools to enhance their skills and expertise. Regular monitoring of pupil progress is conducted through discussions with teaching staff, and areas for improvement have been identified collaboratively. The governing body plays a crucial role in supporting the school, ensuring accountability and providing effective oversight of the school's priorities.
While the leadership of mathematics and English is relatively new, there is a commitment to improving teaching and learning in these subjects. However, there are areas that require further attention, particularly in ensuring that tasks are appropriately challenging for the most able pupils in writing and mathematics. Some inconsistencies in the design of learning tasks have been noted, which may hinder the progress of these pupils.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with effective policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all pupils. Staff receive regular training and are well-informed about their responsibilities in safeguarding. Pupils are educated about safety, including online safety, contributing to a secure learning environment.
The inspection highlighted the need for leaders to focus on improving writing and mathematics further. While there have been positive developments in teaching practices, there is a need for greater precision in monitoring the impact of initiatives and ensuring that improvements are consistently implemented across the school. The school is in the process of refining its assessment systems to provide relevant information for teachers and leaders, which will aid in tracking pupil progress more effectively.
In summary, Holbrook Church of England Primary School continues to provide a good education, with strong leadership and a supportive community. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in challenging the most able pupils and ensuring consistent implementation of teaching strategies across subjects. The commitment to professional development and collaboration within the trust is a positive aspect that will support ongoing improvements in the school.
