Holyoakes Field First School

Overview

Holyoakes Field First School is described as a place where a "culture of nurture and care permeates all areas of everyday life." The report highlights that children "flourish and do well," supported by "warm, purposeful and positive relationships" between staff and pupils. While the early years provision is rated Outstanding, the school maintains Good ratings across other key judgement areas.

Strengths

• The early years provision is "excellent," with staff helping children settle quickly and ensuring they are "very well prepared for Year 1."
• The reading curriculum is "effective," with "strong and consistent teaching of phonics" ensuring pupils become fluent readers.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "supported effectively" and "overcome their learning barriers."
• Behaviour is "strong," with lessons being "calm, orderly and generally free from disruption."
• Staff have "strong subject knowledge" and provide "engaging learning tasks that deepen their knowledge."

Areas to improve

• The curriculum in a few subjects does not clearly identify the "precise knowledge and skills that pupils should know," requiring clearer sequencing.
• Some subject leaders lack the necessary oversight of their curriculums and must "develop their knowledge and understanding so they can fulfil their roles effectively."

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."