Holyoakes Field First School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school This is a school that is improving because : leaders are focused on striving for greater achievements for the pupils. Despite many recent changes in staffing, leaders and governors have worked effectively to secure continuity in teaching for pupils.

Leaders and governors know the strengths of the school and are clear about the areas for development. Books show that in most classes pupils are making good progress in mathematics and English. Some pupils are reading fluently but do not always understand what they have read.

.The vast majority of current pupils are making good progress from their starting points. However, a lack of challenge ...for some disadvantaged pupils limits the progress that they make.

Too few disadvantaged pupils are reaching higher levels of attainment. .Systems to track and monitor the progress of pupils are thorough.

Recent improvements to school systems are enabling leaders to look more closely at pupils' progress over time. Teaching is good overall. However, in some lessons work is not always matched precisely enough to challenge all groups of learners, in particular for the most able pupils.

. Pupils behave well, they enjoy school. Pupils are polite and well-mannered.

They thrive in school due to the outstanding pastoral care. Pupils are proud of their school. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural education is a strength in teaching and learning.

.Children get off to a good start in Nursery and Reception. Children quickly settle into routines because staff create a safe, stimulating, nurturing place for young children.

Pupils feel safe in school. The culture of keeping children safe permeates all aspects of school life. Pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities are well supported.

As a result, pupils make good progress and show increasing independence. Most parents are very pleased with the school. They praise the friendly, caring support for pupils and their families.

Information about this school

The school is an average-sized school. The school is two-form entry in Years 2 to 4. There are currently two Year 1 classes, one Reception class and one mixed Reception and Year 1 class.

Nursery children attend part time or full time (30 hours). Nursery children can join school in the term they are three years old. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is above the national average, as is the proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is above average. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is above average. Since the last inspection two new leadership roles have been created, an assistant headteacher and an early years leader.

Staff have been appointed to these roles. Four new teachers have joined the school in the past two years. The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website.

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