Holmeswood Methodist School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school This very small school is well led and managed. The headteacher has high expectations for pupils and staff. Everyone is encouraged to do his or her very best.

Pupils benefit from an engaging and stimulating curriculum. This helps to ensure that pupils from all groups, including those who are disadvantaged and those who have special educational need and/or disabilities, make good progress in a wide range of subjects across the curriculum. At present, outcomes are stronger in reading and mathematics than in writing.

On occasions, pupils are not challenged to reach the higher levels in writing, notably the most able pupils. Learning at Holme...swood Methodist School is fun. Teachers' good subject knowledge and effective questioning help to drive forward pupils' learning.

Pupils come into school each morning with a smile on their face and a spring in their step. They feel very safe and thoroughly enjoy their learning. Behaviour around the school is impeccable.

Pupils are very proud of their school and typically commented that 'this school could not be any better'. Most parents are overwhelmingly supportive of all aspects of the school's work. Typical comments include: 'we are so grateful for having such a fabulous small school' where pupils 'grow up to be respectful young people, full of confidence and care for each other'.

However, there are a few parents who do not engage with the school. Pupils are treated as unique individuals. Due to the small numbers in each year group, staff know each individual child, their likes and capabilities well.

Teaching assistants are highly skilled and a valuable asset to the school. However, at times, in the infant class they are not deployed effectively. Children in the early years settle quickly at school and make good progress from their different starting points.

Governors are supportive of the school and know it well. However, the school website does not contain all the information that it should. Although the headteacher keeps a close eye on the quality of teaching, the feedback to help teachers improve their practice further is not as detailed as it could be.

Information about this school

The school does not meet requirements on the publication of information about the early years curriculum, the pupil and sport premium funding and special education needs report on its website. The school is a much smaller than the average-sized primary school. There are two classes.

The infant class comprises of children in the early years and pupils from Years 1 and 2. The junior class contains pupils for the four years which make up key stage 2. Children attend the Nursery class on a part-time basis and full time in Reception.

All pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils in the school is much lower than the national average. The proportion of pupils with an education, health and care plan or a statement of special educational needs is significantly higher than the national average.

The proportion of pupils receiving special educational needs support is higher than the national average. Due to the small number of pupils in each class, the school is exempt from having to meet the government's floor standards. There is a breakfast club and after-school club on site which is run by the governing body.