Hardwick Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils at Hardwick School demonstrate the values of 'aim high, be safe, be kind, inspire others and have pride'.

These values drive decision-making in all areas of the school. Pupils benefit from the school's high ambitions and expectations. Pupils do not give up when they learn new things or encounter challenges.

They keep going for sustained periods of time. As a result, pupils achieve well, especially in writing and mathematics.

The school is a happy place to be.

Pupils love attending and are eager to learn. Pupils have warm, mutually respectful relationships with everyone in the school. Staff help pupils to recognise their emotions so they can ma...nage them well.

Pupils are considerate and calm. A sense of kindness and care permeates the school. Social times are harmonious because pupils take care of each other and their environment.

They enjoy playtimes and help each other to use the equipment provided for them.

Pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities that develop their character, for example leadership roles, such as play leaders and being part of the pupil leadership team. These help pupils learn respect and tolerance towards others.

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

The school's well-sequenced curriculum sets out the small steps of knowledge that pupils need to learn in the order they need to learn it. The school prepares pupils well for their next steps in learning at each key stage. This is reflected in the school's positive outcomes.

This starts in the early years, where pupils receive a very strong start to their education because of their exceptional concentration and teachers' sharply focused activities.

Teachers' secure understanding of the curriculum helps pupils to build their knowledge successfully over time. Lesson activities enthuse and interest pupils.

Expertly focused and detailed checks on children's learning in Reception ensure that the school swiftly identifies any needs they may have. The provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) in school is highly effective. All pupils with SEND have targeted and precise support in place so they can access and succeed in every subject.

In most subjects, for example mathematics, teachers check pupils have understood what is being taught. They support pupils to address any mistakes or misunderstandings they may have. However, in a few subjects, teachers do not check if pupils have gained the specific knowledge that is set out in the curriculum.

This inhibits some pupils learning the intended knowledge in these areas.

The school carefully builds upon and checks how well pupils learn phonics. Expertly trained staff deliver these phonics lessons daily.

Any gaps in knowledge are swiftly identified and supported through regular catch-up sessions for those pupils who need it. Pupils in the school learn to read very well, including those pupils with SEND. Pupils use this reading knowledge to write accurately for different purposes.

The school prioritises pupils' communication and language development. This starts in the early years, where children receive expert support to develop their language skills. Staff expose pupils to books that promote discussion about the meaning behind the words the author has chosen.

Consequently, pupils develop into confident communicators.Behaviour is exceptional. The school teaches pupils about positive behaviour and how to be an effective learner through all aspects of school life.

Staff take every opportunity to explore with pupils the impact of their behaviour on themselves and others. Teachers in the early years embed routines and rules for children from the time they start school. As a result, pupils across all age groups show extremely positive attitudes to learning and excellent conduct.

They show high levels of self-awareness and a real desire to focus on their learning.

The school promotes pupils' character, individuality and their personal development. Pupils are provided with opportunities to nurture their talents and interests and perform these, for example through clubs such as choir and computing.

Pupils learn to be good citizens. They develop an understanding of democracy through opportunities such as being part of the school leadership team. Pupils show respect towards each other and celebrate differences.

Governance is strong in the school. The school standards board (local governors) knows the school well. The trust provides leaders with challenge and effective support.

Leaders show determination to ensure that the school is the best it can be for pupils who attend here. They work closely with parents to achieve this.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In a small number of subjects, the school does not use assessment to check pupils' understanding well enough. This means that some pupils have gaps in their knowledge. The school needs to ensure that teachers quickly identify and then address any misunderstandings or gaps in knowledge that pupils may have.