Hartwell Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Hartwell is a warm and welcoming village school. Pupils are friendly, courteous and respectful towards each other. They see the importance of good manners.

As one pupil told inspectors: 'It's just simple things, like looking at someone when they're talking, holding doors open and remembering to say “please” and “thank you”. It's important here.'

Pupils feel happy and safe in their surroundings.

They trust all adults in the school to help them sort out any problems they might have. Pupils know that behaviour at their school is good. They told inspectors that bullying is not tolerated and does not happen.

Pupils are very proud of their school library.... The 'library guardians' keep the shelves organised. They also run book clubs for others to enjoy.

One pupil, typical of many, commented: 'I love the library – there's such a variety of books. I just love reading in there!'

Staff have high expectations of pupils. Leaders make sure that pupils build a wide vocabulary.

Teachers discuss new words with pupils in all lessons. As a result, pupils express themselves confidently and clearly.

Most parents and carers are positive about Hartwell.

However, some say that the school needs to communicate with them more often and in good time.

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

Leaders told inspectors that 'Reading is our everything here!' This certainly is the case. The pupils at Hartwell learn letter sounds as soon as they start school.

If anyone struggles, they are given extra help straight away. Pupils read books that match the phonics that they learn in their lessons. As a result, they soon learn to read fluently.

Staff teach phonics well. They also have a common approach to the teaching of reading comprehension. For example, teachers encourage pupils to use their background knowledge and ask 'I wonder' questions.

This helps pupils to develop their understanding and enjoyment of the books they read. Story time is a very special time of the school day. Pupils love listening to their teachers read to them.

Subject leaders have made sure that the curriculum is detailed and organised in a logical way. It sets out what pupils will learn in each subject from the early years through to Year 6. In science, for example, the subject leader has recently introduced the concept of 'The Hartwell Scientist'.

This sets out how pupils are taught to think and act scientifically.

In some subjects, leaders have not identified the most important things pupils need to be able to recall. This means that teachers do not precisely link what pupils are learning now to the things they have learned in previous years.

As a result, pupils do not reliably connect their learning together or remember it in sufficient detail.

Leaders are ambitious for all pupils. Lessons are adapted when they need to be so that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) take part in all aspects of the curriculum.

Teachers have secure subject knowledge. They explain things clearly and help pupils to do the same. Teachers help pupils to reflect on their learning.

Pupils are encouraged to think about how they can improve their work.

Children get off to a good start in the early years. Leaders make sure that all the activities in the reception classroom are linked to the planned curriculum.

For example, children carry out coloured 'spot challenges' to reinforce their learning of letter sounds and numbers. The children are proud of themselves when they complete a 'spot challenge' on their own.

There are many clubs on offer at Hartwell.

Pupils can become part of the school orchestra or choir. There are also many sporting clubs available, such as basketball and netball. Pupils relish the chance to play in sports competitions.

They know why it is important to keep themselves physically fit. They enjoy running the daily mile on the school's purpose-built track around the school field.

The school's values stem from each letter of the word 'Hartwell'.

They are: honesty, achievement, respect, trust, well-being, enthusiasm, listening and loving God. Pupils try to show these values through their conduct in lessons and around the school. Classrooms are peaceful places where pupils can concentrate on learning.

As one typical pupil told inspectors: 'Teachers make sure it's nice and quiet so everyone is really focused and engaged.' Pupils know about world faiths. They are not, however, as knowledgeable about British values or protected characteristics.

This means they are not as prepared for life in modern Britain as they need to be.

Leaders help staff to manage their workload. Staff really appreciate the support they can access from the school's lead for adult mental health.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Governors check that recruitment procedures are thorough. They make sure that everyone has up-to-date training in safeguarding.

The school's policy for safeguarding is understood by all at Hartwell. Staff know how to report concerns. They know the signs that might show a pupil needs support.

Leaders work with other agencies to get families the help they need. Pupils know they can share any worries they might have with adults at the school. Pupils know how to keep themselves safe online.

They know the importance of keeping their personal information private and reporting anything that concerns them.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In some subjects, pupils do not remember what they have been taught in sufficient detail. This is particularly the case for things that they learned in previous years.

Leaders should refine their curriculum thinking so that all subject plans are clear about the most important knowledge and skills that pupils need to remember. Teachers must then build on prior learning consistently and systematically in all subjects, and in all classes, so that pupils make connections between what they are doing now and what they have done before. ? The pupils at Hartwell are polite, welcoming and respectful towards others.

However, they lack knowledge of the British values and the protected characteristics. This means they are not as prepared as they need to be for life in modern Britain. Leaders need to consider their approach to personal development so that pupils develop an age-appropriate understanding of British values and equality.

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