Heptonstall Junior, Infant and Nursery School: Impressive Ofsted report for Calderdale primary school which is 'one big family'

Heptonstall Junior, Infant and Nursery School was described as “one big family” by the inspectors who gave the school a ‘Good’ rating following their visit.

“Pupils are proud of their school” said the Ofsted report.

"They enjoy coming to school and they attend regularly.

"Pupils and staff see the school as one big family and support each other happily.

"Adults have high expectations for pupils’ learning and behaviour. Pupils are confident, polite and respectful when speaking to adults.

"Pupils say that they know how to behave well because ‘the adults teach us how to do it’.”

The report also said bullying is rare and pupils are confident that it happened, adults there would deal with it.

Children are safe and parents are positive about the school.

The report also says the chosen curriculum is ambitious and aims to give pupils the knowledge and skills they need for the future, and pupils are well prepared for their next steps.

"High expectations for behaviour are built on mutual respect and strong relationships,” says the report.

"Both staff and pupils set these high expectations. This can be seen in the positive behaviours seen in lessons and around school.”

One parent described the school as “a wonderful and welcoming school that encourages and develops children both academically and socially”.

The Ofsted inspectors made recommendations for the school to continue to refine and adapt the curriculum to ensure knowledge they want pupils to learn is made clear; ensure pupils are sufficiently challenged in reading and maths; and review the processes in place for recording and responding to any low-level concerns about pupils’ welfare.

Headteacher David Perrin said: “The report is a wonderful testament to the hard work of the staff, the marvellous children we have and the support of our governors, parents and local community.

“I want to thank the staff and governors of the school so much for all their hard work.

"We are a small but very dedicated team that strive to be the very best that we can be for the children in our area.”

The school is holding an open day for prospective parents on Monday, November 27, with three sessions between 9.30am and 6.30pm.

For more details, email [email protected].