Healey Junior Infant and Nursery School, located in Batley, West Yorkshire, underwent its first inspection since becoming an academy in December 2017. The inspection, conducted on April 26 and 27, 2022, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has established high expectations for pupil learning and behavior, with clear routines in place that support children in the early years to develop good habits that carry through their education.
Pupils demonstrate strong engagement in their learning, showing concentration and involvement in class activities. The positive relationships between staff and pupils foster a supportive environment where children feel safe and valued. Pupils are encouraged to voice their concerns, knowing that staff will address any issues, including bullying, seriously. The curriculum is well-received, with pupils expressing enjoyment in their learning experiences and the extracurricular activities offered, such as clubs and sports.
The school leadership, including trustees and governors, has a clear vision focused on providing an ambitious education tailored to the community's needs. Since the previous inspection of the predecessor school, there have been significant improvements attributed to stable staffing and effective leadership. Subject leaders are developing their expertise and collaborating with colleagues to enhance the curriculum's effectiveness. Leaders have carefully considered the knowledge and skills pupils should acquire in each subject, ensuring lessons build on prior learning and prepare pupils for more challenging content.
Reading is prioritized, with a dedicated team overseeing phonics and reading initiatives. Teachers are well-trained in the phonics program, enabling them to identify and support pupils who struggle with reading. Independent reading and storytime are integral parts of the school day, fostering a love for reading among pupils. However, writing activities do not always provide the same level of practice for spelling, which needs addressing.
In mathematics, the school has introduced a new scheme to address learning gaps caused by the pandemic. While progress is being made, the pace of curriculum delivery has been slower than expected, and leaders are working to ensure pupils return to the usual expectations of the mathematics curriculum.
The early years provision is effective, with a strong focus on developing language and communication skills. Children are well-prepared for key stage one, exhibiting positive attitudes toward learning. However, attendance remains a concern, with some pupils missing school regularly, impacting their learning experience.
Pupils learn about healthy relationships, tolerance, and respect, but there are instances where these values are not reflected in their interactions, particularly during playtime. The school provides a range of community engagement opportunities, enhancing pupils' understanding of their local environment.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff receiving regular training to recognize and report concerns. The curriculum includes lessons on safety, particularly regarding online risks, and pupils are equipped with tools to express their concerns.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that writing activities align with pupils' phonics knowledge, address gaps in mathematical understanding more swiftly, and enhance attendance strategies. Additionally, reinforcing the behavior policy will help pupils apply the values they learn in their interactions with peers. Overall, Healey Junior Infant and Nursery School is making commendable progress in providing a quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment.
