South Hiendley Primary School, located in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, underwent its first inspection under the Education Act 2005 on October 6 and 7, 2022. The school received an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has not been previously inspected under this framework, as it converted to an academy in May 2018.
The inspection highlighted that pupils at South Hiendley Primary School feel safe and happy, benefiting from a strong sense of community. Staff maintain high expectations for pupil behaviour, which is reflected in the calm and positive atmosphere during lessons. The school’s motto, dream, believe, achieve, encapsulates its ethos. Pupils are encouraged to follow the principles of being ready, respectful, and safe, which fosters a culture of achievement and self-control. Incidents of bullying are rare, and staff effectively manage any behavioural issues that arise.
The leadership team has cultivated a positive environment where every individual is valued. Staff are well-acquainted with their pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, who thrive in this supportive setting. Early years children are nurtured and engage confidently in play. The school encourages pupils to contribute positively to the community, with Year 6 students leading praise assemblies to celebrate achievements and good behaviour. The values of kindness and fairness are deeply embedded in the school culture, and pupils show a keen interest in learning about diverse cultures and faiths.
Leadership at all levels is robust, with trustees and governors demonstrating a strong commitment to the school. They provide staff with ample training opportunities, particularly in the science of learning, and promote collaboration across the trust. This approach not only enhances professional development but also alleviates staff workload, contributing to high morale among teachers who take pride in their work.
Curriculum planning is generally clear and detailed, with subject leaders possessing strong knowledge and training. However, in some areas where the curriculum is new, teachers occasionally miss opportunities to deepen pupils' understanding and fail to explore connections between topics. Leaders are actively working to enhance teachers' subject knowledge through ongoing training.
The school excels in teaching reading, employing a consistent approach that allows children to progress quickly. Regular assessments ensure that learning is tailored to individual needs. While teacher-led sessions in early years are well-planned, some other activities lack sufficient detail, leading to missed opportunities for developing children's knowledge and skills. Staff focus on vocabulary development, but this is not consistently planned.
South Hiendley Primary School offers a variety of educational experiences beyond the classroom, including sleepovers and residential trips, which help pupils develop independence. Local educational visits are integrated into the curriculum, enhancing subject knowledge. The personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-structured and effective, fostering empathy and respect among pupils.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders knowledgeable about local community risks. Staff receive appropriate training and report concerns promptly, ensuring pupils feel safe and supported. The school maintains thorough vetting processes for employees and visitors.
To improve, the school should ensure that early years activities are more precisely aligned with children's learning needs and continue to develop staff subject knowledge in areas where they feel less confident. Overall, South Hiendley Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment for its pupils.
