Holy Trinity Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, Halstead

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 March 2023

Pupils are happy and safe at this warm and welcoming school, which is 'like its own little community'. Pupils know and understand their 'learning powers'. They use these throughout the school day. Pupils show perseverance and resilience in their lessons. This helps them to reach the high expectations staff have of them. Pupils learn and achieve well. They are prepared well for the next stage of their learning. Pupils behave very well during their lessons and when they are playing together on the school playground. They listen carefully to adults and to each other. Pupils show high levels of respect towards adults and each other. Older pupils like to help younger pupils. They are proud to be peer mentors, for example. Younger pupils appreciate this support. The lunchtime well-being hub provides pupils with a quiet space should they wish to use it. On the very rare occasions bullying happens, staff are quick to deal with it. Pupils appreciate the many opportunities leaders carefully plan for them. A range of visitors to the school, for example a local sculptor, inspire and introduce pupils to possible future careers. Pupils also enjoy the chance to attend clubs and represent the school in sporting events.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, teachers do not use consistent techniques to check how well pupils are faring. This means that, sometimes, pupils do not have opportunities to revisit and secure prior learning. Leaders must ensure they provide teachers with the guidance and support they need, so they effectively check and, where appropriate, revisit learning. This is so that pupils can better link prior learning to new learning and, so secure a deep understanding of the planned curriculum.

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