High Spen Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 22 June 2022

Leaders put pupils at the heart of all they do at High Spen Primary School. Pupils feel they are part of an extended family. Those pupils that have been awarded leadership badges, for example school council member, wear them with honour. The school motto of 'looking out for each other' is fulfilled by the positive relationships between pupils and also with the adults that care for them. Pupils feel looked after and safe. Leaders have high expectations of pupils. Staff share these expectations. Pupils are engaged in learning and achieve well. One parent, echoing the views of many, said: 'My children are thriving in school; their needs are understood and met. All staff go the extra mile to ensure children are happy and listened to.' Pupils are tolerant of differences. They understand that some families are different. Older pupils were keen to share their understanding of the need for everyone to be treated equally. Bullying is not tolerated. Staff deal with it quickly when it does happen. Pupils are excited by the range of activities available to them outside lessons. For example, pupils work with a food bank to reduce food waste. Pupils learn how to cook healthy food on a limited budget. Pupils were particularly happy that drama club had started up after the COVID-19 pandemic had prevented pupils working together to prepare a performance.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, leaders have not ensured that the curriculum has been implemented as intended. Some pupils do not have the opportunity to regularly revisit important knowledge. As a result, some pupils do not learn the content identified in leaders' curriculum plans. Leaders should ensure that staff receive subject-specific training in order to teach all subjects well.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)