Halewood Church of England Primary Academy, located in Liverpool, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on April 25 and 26, 2023, and assessed various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated positively. The school has not been previously inspected under the current framework, making this evaluation particularly significant.
Pupils at Halewood are proud to attend the school and demonstrate a strong love for learning. The staff provide exceptional care, ensuring that students feel safe and happy. A notable aspect of the school culture is the strong sense of responsibility among pupils, with older students taking on leadership roles in lunchtime clubs and serving on councils. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including the well-attended Halewood University, which allows students to broaden their experiences through trips and sports competitions.
The leadership team has ambitious goals for pupil achievement in core subjects such as reading, writing, and mathematics, where students excel. While the school maintains high standards in these areas, there is a recognition that not all subjects achieve the same level of excellence. This inconsistency is attributed to a lack of precise identification of the specific knowledge pupils should acquire in some subjects, particularly in the early years. Consequently, this can lead to challenges in building on prior learning effectively.
Behavior within the school is exemplary, with pupils demonstrating excellent relationships with one another, resulting in rare instances of conflict. The leadership team is proactive in addressing any bullying concerns swiftly. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with clear expectations outlined for pupil progression from the nursery year onwards. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all subjects are taught in a logical order and that teachers are equipped to check pupils' understanding effectively.
The school promotes a love of reading, with a phonics program in place that begins as soon as children start school. Teachers are well-trained to deliver this program, and additional support is provided to those who need it, ensuring that all pupils become confident readers. The school also prioritizes the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, adapting the curriculum to ensure inclusivity.
Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards their learning and understand the importance of academic achievement. Attendance rates are high, and behavior is consistently good throughout the school day. The leadership team's approach to personal development is commendable, with initiatives that promote mental well-being and respect for diversity. Staff members express satisfaction with their work environment, appreciating the support provided by leaders regarding workload and well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at Halewood are effective, with staff receiving regular training to ensure the safety of all pupils. The school teaches students about safety in various contexts, including road safety and internet safety. Overall, while Halewood Church of England Primary Academy demonstrates many strengths, there are areas identified for improvement, particularly in curriculum implementation and ensuring consistent high standards across all subjects. The leadership team is encouraged to refine their approaches to curriculum oversight and provide robust guidance to teachers to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
