Hartland Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher provides determined and ambitious leadership and has been effective in taking decisive action since the last inspection to improve the quality of teaching and pupils' learning. Governors have a strong understanding of their roles and responsibilities. They know the school well and use their knowledge to challenge leaders effectively.

The middle leaders are effective. They have contributed to improvements in the curriculum, and teaching and learning. However, leadership in subjects other than English and mathematics is underdeveloped.

Almost all parents and carers are positive about the school. They value the care provided ...for their children and the stimulating teaching that promotes their children's confidence. Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school.

Pupils and parents say that staff deal with issues of bullying promptly on the rare occasions they occur. Although teaching and learning are good overall, leaders are aware that there remain some inconsistencies, especially in science. Current pupils' work shows that they are making good progress.

However, on occasions, teachers do not have high enough expectations of the most able pupils in writing. Pupils are keen and enthusiastic readers. Most of the pupils enjoy their writing.

However, a legacy of weakness in spelling skills limits some of the key stage 2 pupils' writing. Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are making good progress due to the effective support they receive in lessons. Pupils' attendance has improved to be broadly in line with the national average.

However, a small group of pupils are persistently absent from school too often. Children make a successful start in early years due to the good teaching and support that they receive.

Information about this school

Hartland Primary School is smaller than the average-sized primary school.

There are five classes and a pre-school. The headteacher was appointed in January 2016. The school is a member of the Atlantic Coast Cooperative Trust, which consists of eight other primary schools.

The school is also a member of the Dartmoor Teaching School Alliance. This is based at Okehampton College and has 25 secondary and 62 primary schools within it. The governing body took on the running of the pre-school, which offers places for two-to four-year-olds.

The school provides before- and after-school childcare for families and this is well supported. The proportion of pupils with SEND is below the national average. The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium funding is lower than the national average.