Holywell Primary School in Watford requires improvement

Holywell Primary School in Tolpits Lane was told it requires improvement after its inspection that was carried out on April 19 and 20.

The report, which was released on June 16, detailed that leaders did not give teachers the curriculum information they need to be able to teach some subjects.

Holywell Primary School in Tolpits Lane (Image: Google Street View)

In addition, inspectors found that teachers were not providing some pupils with sufficient opportunities to develop their phonics knowledge or practise their reading.

In a letter to the parents from the school’s governors, they said: “The school's senior leadership is already taking steps to address these areas and have been working closely with HFL Education on developing an action plan – aligning this closely with the school improvement plan.”

Despite the outcome, inspectors did find that students have a strong understanding that everyone is equal, and they enjoy attending the school.

Inspectors also found that the children aged between three and 11 learnt how to stay safe in the real world for example, when crossing the road and going online.

All arrangements for safeguarding were deemed to be effective and all staff had up to date safeguarding training.

However, it was also found that teachers were not consistently adapting the curriculum to meet the needs of all the pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

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Inspectors believed that this then prevented pupils from learning and remembering some subject knowledge.

Students’ behaviour was also brought to inspectors' attention.

It was found that occasionally some teachers allowed behaviour that disturbed pupils’ learning to go unchallenged.

And that a small number of pupils are not supported effectively to improve their behaviour.

The governors added: “As you can imagine, as a school we are disappointed in this grading – however as a governing body, we are ambitious for our school, and are determined to deliver the highest possible standards of education for our students.

“Whilst we do accept the judgement, we do not believe that this judgement truly reflects the hard work and expertise our staff put into our school each day.”