Meltham Moor Primary School, located in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection on February 6 and 7, 2024, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school is co-led by Liz Woodfield and Angela Marshall and is part of the Together Learning Trust, which provides additional oversight and support. The trust is managed by CEO David Lord and a board of trustees chaired by Jan Wallis.
Pupils at Meltham Moor Primary School express enjoyment in attending this welcoming and supportive environment, often referring to it as the ‘Meltham Moor family.’ The school fosters warm relationships between staff and students, contributing to a sense of safety and belonging. Pupils are educated on the values of care, kindness, and respect, and they demonstrate an understanding of the importance of treating everyone with dignity. They are also aware of societal issues related to prejudice and discrimination.
The school has established routines that help pupils navigate their day-to-day activities, and they are beginning to grasp the significance of newly introduced school rules. For instance, nursery children can articulate what it means to exhibit ‘good listening and good sitting.’ The school effectively supports pupils who require assistance with their behaviour, ensuring that all students can engage positively with their learning. During playtimes and lunchtimes, pupils display cooperative and friendly behaviour, enjoying interactions with their peers.
Leaders at Meltham Moor Primary School maintain high expectations for pupil achievement, ensuring that those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have access to the same curriculum as their peers. The school has implemented systems to identify and support pupils who require additional help, particularly in subjects where knowledge and vocabulary are clearly defined. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that pupils can connect new learning with prior knowledge across various subjects.
The school has a robust phonics curriculum, with staff well-trained to deliver it effectively. Pupils engage with reading materials that align with their phonics lessons, and early identification of those needing extra support is a priority. Nevertheless, some pupils requiring additional reading assistance are not consistently taught according to the established phonics program, which can hinder their progress.
Personal development is a key focus, with a wide range of experiences and opportunities available to pupils beyond the classroom. The school emphasizes the importance of personal, social, health, and economic education, equipping pupils with knowledge about online safety and social issues. Early years education is also prioritized, with children receiving a strong foundation in routines and positive attitudes toward learning.
Governance at the school is effective, with governors and trustees actively engaging in performance reviews and providing constructive challenges to school leaders. Parents generally express positive views about the school, and staff report feeling supported in their roles, with attention given to their workload and well-being.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, areas for improvement have been identified, particularly in the consistency of phonics instruction for struggling readers and the need for staff to better assess pupil understanding during lessons. Addressing these areas will enhance the overall educational experience and support for all students at Meltham Moor Primary School.
