Holme Junior and Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 February 2024

In line with the school's values, the school gives all pupils the opportunities to 'shine bright'. Pupils are polite and well-mannered to each other. They play happily together at lunchtime. Pupils trust adults to sort out small friendship issues before they become bigger issues such as bullying. The school has high expectations of what the pupils can achieve. Children establish important foundational knowledge and skills in the early years that they then build on through the school. Children learn the basics of reading and language through clear and precise teaching. Pupils further up in school enjoy reading. They borrow books from the library and are keen to speak about their favourite authors and stories. Pupils have plentiful opportunities to learn about the world. They visit the theatre and hear from visitors in the community. Assemblies, such as about people with autism, help pupils to understand the true meaning of respect and understanding. The school's curriculum helps older pupils to learn about important concepts such as questioning stereotypes. Pupils behave well in lessons and around school. They are enthusiastic to learn and to help each other out. Pupils comment on how strong the relationships in school are and that they get along well with each other.

What the school should improve

• The school has not defined the knowledge that pupils need to remember in some foundation subjects precisely enough. On some occasions, teachers do not assess or revisit the most important information. Opportunities are missed to strengthen this knowledge for pupils. The school should define the most important concepts across all subjects for pupils' long term knowledge acquisition and ensure staff understand and use it.
• The transition from early reading to reading more widely is not as well-defined or effective as it needs to be. Some pupils still at the early stages of reading are not given the precise support or activities to assist them with developing their reading fluency. The school need to define this transition more clearly and ensure all staff in school are trained in early reading to support pupils throughout school

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