The Holme Church of England Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 February 2023

This is a happy school where pupils 'grow together in love, courage and wisdom'. Leaders teach pupils to love themselves and others, even when it is difficult. The headteacher has high expectations of the school and the pupils in it. Most pupils respond well to these expectations. They follow the school rules, 'ready, respectful and safe'. For example, children in Reception are secure in their routines and follow instructions well. Pupils have many opportunities to talk about their feelings. They can identify emotions in themselves and their friends. Leaders help pupils with coping and calming strategies. When bullying does happen, leaders take it seriously and resolve it well. As one pupil said, 'My teacher hates bullying'. Pupils enjoy many aspects of school life. For example, they love their regular 'forest lessons', where they grow to become resilient and independent. Pupils enjoy learning how to strip bark with a knife safely and cook over an open fire. Leaders prepare pupils well for life in modern Britain. Pupils learn about different cultures, religions and traditions. Regular 'pause days' help pupils learn more about the Christian faith. Pupils are respectful of each other and value difference.

What the school should improve

• Whereas many staff are experts at teaching the school's agreed phonics scheme, a few are not as expert as they could be. This affects how well a few pupils learn. Leaders should continue to review and monitor the implementation of the phonics scheme to ensure that all staff teach all aspects of it well.
• In a small number of foundation subjects, leaders have not identified with enough precision what teachers need to teach. Consequently, pupils do not learn as well as they could. They sometimes have gaps in their knowledge. Leaders should ensure that they identify the important knowledge that they want pupils to learn and remember in these subjects.
• The behaviour policy is new and leaders are working to ensure all staff embed the policy consistently in their practice. Occasionally, a few pupils are not as focused on learning as they could be. Leaders need to continue to ensure that staff understand the agreed approach to managing behaviour and apply the school behaviour policy consistently. This includes building staff knowledge on how best to support pupils with more complex social, emotional and mental health needs.

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