Hollinsclough Church of England Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 November 2023

Everyone is welcome at Hollinsclough, it is a happy place to be. Many things make this school unique, which is why many families travel long distances to attend. The staff are nurturing and caring. Pupils feel part of a 'big family' and say that they all get along well with each other. As one parent, typical of many, said 'the children are friends with all children of all ages, the older ones help the younger ones and the younger ones know they are supported and look up to the older ones.' Staff take the time to get to know the pupils well and want them to do their best. Pupils know that staff will help them in any way if they need it. The school's timetable enables pupils and their families to combine learning at home and at school. For many pupils, this provides a lifeline in developing successful attitudes to formal education. Pupils enjoy taking on extra responsibilities such as being house captains or class monitors. They are accepting and curious about the wide range of faiths and cultures in the world and enjoy learning about and discussing these during 'faith walks'.

What the school should improve

• The school has recently established new curriculums in some subjects. The evaluation and monitoring of these subjects is still at an early stage. Therefore the school does not know how well some subjects are delivered. The school should ensure that all subjects are monitored effectively so as to bring about further improvement.
• The early years curriculum does not clearly set out the important knowledge children are expected to learn over time in nursery and reception in some areas of learning. This means that some content pupils learn in reception does not always prepare them for learning key stage 1. The school should identify all the important knowledge that children need to learn across the early years.
• Occasional low-level disruption limits pupils' learning in some lessons. The school needs to ensure that its behaviour management systems are applied effectively and consistently, with all staff having the necessary skills to manage pupils' behaviour well in lessons.

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