Hyde Park Junior School, located in Plymouth, Devon, underwent an inspection on June 13 and 14, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has demonstrated a commitment to providing a high-quality education, with strong performance in various areas including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management, all rated as good. This was the first inspection under section five of the Education Act 2005 since the school joined the Horizon Multi Academy Trust in January 2019 and the new executive headteacher took her position in January 2022.
Pupils at Hyde Park Junior School take pride in their diverse and inclusive community, showcasing respect and tolerance towards one another. They possess a solid moral understanding of equality and the importance of treating everyone with respect. The school has seen improvements in behavior, particularly since the new leadership was established, leading to a positive learning environment where pupils engage well in lessons and discussions. The high-quality pastoral support provided by staff ensures that pupils feel safe and secure, and any emotional or behavioral challenges are addressed effectively.
Bullying is reported to be rare, with leaders actively educating pupils on the differences between bullying and normal conflicts through assemblies and the curriculum. Attendance has improved significantly due to the determined efforts of school leaders, resulting in fewer pupils missing out on learning opportunities. This has positively impacted their education and social interactions.
The leadership team is dedicated to ensuring that every pupil learns effectively. Trust leaders and governors have a comprehensive understanding of the school's context and history, which has informed their focus on improving educational quality. Staff are motivated by a shared vision and are engaged in professional development, contributing to a positive atmosphere within the school.
The curriculum is designed with the school's values of diversity and inclusion at its core. It is well-structured, allowing pupils to build knowledge over time. However, in some subjects, the curriculum could benefit from clearer identification of specific knowledge that pupils should acquire by the end of each learning sequence. Subject leadership is effective, supporting teachers in delivering the curriculum successfully, and pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are generally well-supported in their learning.
Reading is prioritized, with a phonics program in place for pupils who need to develop their reading skills. This program has proven effective, with many pupils making rapid progress. The school has also implemented a transition program to support pupils before they move on to the key stage two reading curriculum.
Pupils demonstrate a strong understanding of equality and respect for different beliefs and opinions. The school enhances their cultural capital through various visits and experiences that broaden their understanding of life in modern Britain.
The safeguarding arrangements at Hyde Park Junior School are effective, with a culture of vigilance established among staff. Regular training ensures that staff are aware of potential risks and know how to respond to concerns. Pupils feel safe and are knowledgeable about online safety.
To improve further, the school needs to ensure that knowledge in the wider curriculum is broken down into smaller components to enhance learning outcomes. Additionally, teaching should be more closely aligned with individual starting points, particularly for pupils with special educational needs, to ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential.
