Holden Clough Primary School

Overview

Holden Clough Primary School provides a high-quality education where pupils achieve well and are well-prepared for their next stage in education. The report highlights an "ambitious and rich curriculum" and strong leadership that fosters a positive culture of learning and belonging. While most aspects of the school meet or exceed expected standards, there are specific areas regarding writing depth and pupil resilience that require further development.

Strengths

• Pupils attain above the national average in reading, writing, and mathematics by the end of Key Stage 2, building a "deep body of knowledge".
• Attendance rates are below the national average, supported by leaders’ "relentless approach" and positive pupil engagement.
• Staff deliver lessons with "appropriate subject knowledge" and adapt learning skilfully to ensure all pupils, including those with special educational needs, access the curriculum.
• The school offers a "well-thought-out personal development and wellbeing offer," helping pupils develop social skills, resilience, and an understanding of British values.
• Leaders and governors work effectively together, with governors holding leaders to account and ensuring funding positively impacts disadvantaged pupils.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure the curriculum provides pupils of all ages, including those in the early years, with more opportunities to "write at greater depth".
• Leaders should continue work to build pupils' resilience so they are better equipped to "resolve conflict and disagreements without over-reliance on adults".

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns being actively identified and managed.