Holme CofE Primary School, located in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, was inspected on October 3 and 4, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school is led by headteacher Clara King and is part of the Diocese of Ely Multi Academy Trust, which provides additional oversight and support. The inspection highlighted the school's strong community feel, where pupils express pride in being part of a small yet vibrant school environment. Relationships among pupils are positive, with older and younger students interacting harmoniously, fostering a culture of care and consideration.
Pupils demonstrate a clear understanding of expected behaviors, with established rules that promote a respectful and focused learning atmosphere. They engage actively in their lessons and enjoy a variety of activities during break times, which cater to diverse interests. The school offers a range of extracurricular clubs, including sports and creative activities, which help pupils develop their skills and interests outside the classroom. Educational trips and guest speakers further enrich the learning experience, allowing pupils to connect their learning to real-world contexts.
The curriculum at Holme CofE Primary School is ambitious and designed to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers implement curriculum plans effectively in most subjects, introducing new concepts clearly and providing opportunities for pupils to revisit and apply their knowledge. This approach has led to strong achievement in many areas. However, in a few subjects where curriculum plans have been introduced more recently, some older pupils exhibit gaps in their knowledge, which affects their overall achievement in those subjects.
Pupils with special educational needs are well supported in their learning, with teachers adapting tasks and providing additional resources to ensure understanding. While the school has systems in place to support these pupils, the evaluation of their progress could be improved to better identify effective strategies and areas needing adjustment.
Reading is a particular strength of the school, with a structured phonics curriculum that enables pupils to become confident readers early in their education. Teachers are attentive to the needs of individual pupils, ensuring that those requiring extra support receive it promptly. The school culture promotes respect and high standards of behavior, reinforced by clear expectations and routines. Pupils who need additional help with behavior receive personalized support, contributing to a calm and respectful environment.
The school emphasizes the importance of core values such as resilience and resourcefulness, encouraging pupils to reflect on their learning and engage with broader social issues. The school council plays an active role in promoting democratic processes and gathering pupil feedback for school improvements. Staff members feel supported and valued, benefiting from professional development opportunities provided by the trust, which fosters a collaborative and effective working environment.
The inspection identified areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all staff have the necessary expertise to deliver the curriculum effectively across all subjects. Additionally, the school needs to enhance its systems for planning and evaluating support for pupils with special educational needs to ensure that leaders can accurately assess the effectiveness of interventions. Overall, Holme CofE Primary School provides a nurturing and effective educational experience, with a strong commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
