Holy Spirit Catholic Primary Academy, located in Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, has undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy in December 2021. The inspection, conducted on December 13 and 14, 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 a new curriculum that is both rewarding and purposeful, ensuring that pupils acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for their future education.
The school environment is described as caring and safe, with positive relationships between staff and pupils. High expectations for learning and behavior are evident, and pupils respond positively to these expectations. Instances of conflict among pupils are resolved quickly, fostering a sense of community and support. Pupils feel confident that any concerns, including bullying, will be addressed appropriately by staff. The school also offers numerous opportunities for pupils to engage in extracurricular activities, particularly in sports, promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Leaders and governors have worked diligently to position the school at the heart of the community, encouraging pupils to participate in charitable activities and understand the impact of their actions. The curriculum is ambitious, with a focus on recalling and building upon prior knowledge, which has led to good academic achievement. For instance, Year 1 pupils demonstrate confidence in discussing historical figures like Florence Nightingale.
Despite the strengths of the curriculum, the inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in the monitoring of its implementation. Some subject leaders lack a comprehensive understanding of how well their subjects are taught, especially in the early years. This inconsistency can hinder the overall effectiveness of the curriculum. Additionally, while the school places a strong emphasis on teaching reading, with a new phonics program in place, there is a need for ongoing assessment to ensure all pupils are progressing effectively.
The early years provision is well-structured, with established routines that support children in becoming independent learners. Staff interactions with children are warm and supportive, focusing on early language and mathematics, which contributes to positive outcomes across all areas of learning. The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can access the curriculum effectively.
The school’s approach to personal, social, and health education is robust, promoting an understanding of healthy relationships and diversity. The behavior systems in place contribute to a calm and purposeful learning environment. Collaboration between trust leaders and the academy council is effective, with a shared commitment to improving the quality of education. However, attendance remains a concern, with some pupils missing school frequently, which affects their learning opportunities.
Staff members appreciate the professional development opportunities available to them and value the supportive leadership during a time of significant change. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify and respond to potential risks to pupils. Overall, while Holy Spirit Catholic Primary Academy demonstrates many strengths, particularly in its curriculum and community engagement, there are clear areas for improvement, particularly in monitoring curriculum implementation and addressing attendance issues.
