Elland Church of England (Voluntary Aided) Junior, Infant and Nursery School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

School leaders and governors have raised expectations of what pupils can achieve. This has resulted in much higher standards of work.

Pupils now know and remember more. They have developed confidence in themselves.

Pupils enjoy learning because the quality of the education they receive is good.

Teachers use their thorough subject knowledge to engage and interest pupils. As a result, attitudes to learning are positive.

Pupils are polite and courteous to visitors, staff and to each other.

They are curious and confident. They are proud of their school and enjoy telling visitors all about it.

Pupils feel safe and happy at school.
...r/>They say that there is an adult they can talk to who looks out for them. Pupils say that bullying does occasionally happen. However, they say that it does not go on for long because adults soon sort it out.

Pupils benefit from the activities that teachers plan to enrich learning. These include outdoor learning and the visits and visitors that are part of the wider curriculum. For example, some pupils had enjoyed their Stone Age day, when they made their own cave paintings.

Pupils appreciate the opportunities they have to be leaders in school. Examples include being a befriender, worship warrior or digital leader. Pupils enjoy the after-school clubs that are available for them.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Changes introduced since the previous inspection have brought about rapid improvement. Leaders and governors are ambitious for every pupil. As a result, there has been an improvement in the achievement of pupils currently in school.

Pupils enjoy reading and have very positive reading habits. This is because teachers choose texts that engage and interest pupils. They make meaningful links with learning in other subjects.

For example, during the inspection, some pupils were learning about crime and punishment in history. They were adding to their knowledge by studying the poem 'The Highwayman', by Alfred Noyes. Younger children learn stories off by heart.

For example, a child in the Reception Class was 'reading' the story of 'What the Ladybird Heard' to her friends.

Children get off to a flying start in early reading in the Nursery class. They have fun with songs and rhymes and saying the sounds in words.

Children begin to match letters to sounds at the start of Reception class. The books that they have to practise reading match the sounds they already know. This gives children, especially those who need to catch up, increasing confidence in reading.

The sequence of learning in mathematics ensures that pupils' knowledge and skills grow lesson by lesson. Teachers and support staff are skilled in helping pupils to learn and remember more. Teachers plan the appropriate level of challenge and support for pupils.

As a result, pupils use their mathematical knowledge to tackle challenging problems.

Well-sequenced curriculum plans are in place for the full range of national curriculum subjects. However, plans for the foundation subjects are at different stages of implementation.

Leaders have prioritised some subjects, such as history and science. This has ensured that the quality of education in these subjects is strong. Plans are in place to strengthen the other foundation subjects.

The curriculum is ambitious for all pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Their needs are well met.

Staff in the early years are determined that all children will have an 'I can' attitude.

They work hard to establish links with families. Clear routines help children to feel safe and confident to try new things. Adults make the most of opportunities for learning.

For example, the children loved experimenting with powder paint in the pouring rain. Whole-school subject plans start in the early years. There is built in progression from the early years to Year 1.

As a result, increasing proportions of Reception Year children are ready for the next stage of their learning.

Leaders have introduced a new behaviour policy based on the school's strong Christian values. It has brought about a calm sense of purpose in lessons and around school.

Pupils have confidence in adults to sort out any silly behaviour or bullying quickly.

Pupils' attendance is below the national average. This is despite the effort that leaders put into helping families to understand the importance of regular attendance.

Too many pupils are persistently absent.

Pupils are caring and keen to help others. They decide which good causes they will help and how.

Pupils learn about their place in the wider world and about a wide range of other faiths and cultures. They enjoy after-school activities such as languages club, photography club, choir and girls' and boys' football.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Adults know pupils well. They are vigilant in looking out for the signs that something may be wrong. They know what to do if they are concerned.

Leaders take swift and appropriate action to keep pupils safe. They are tenacious in getting help for those pupils and families who need it.

Leaders make sure that pupils understand risks and know how to seek help.

For example, pupils have learned about road safety, online safety and knife crime.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

Curriculum plans for the foundation subjects are at different stages of implementation. The subject knowledge and confidence of teachers is strong in those subjects that have been prioritised, such as history and science, so pupils are able to build progressively on their knowledge and skills.

Leaders need to carry on with their plans to strengthen pedagogy and teachers' confidence across the rest of the foundation subjects. . Levels of absence and persistent absence remain too high.

As a result, pupils miss too much learning. Leaders need to continue to remove the barriers that are preventing improvement. This includes helping some parents to understand the importance of regular attendance.

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