Hurst Green Church of England Primary School and Nursery

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Senior leaders and governors have a vision for pupils to thrive. They have the confidence of the local community to help the school improve further.

Following a period of staff change, leaders have overseen rapid improvements in teaching. Teaching is now good and pupils are making strong progress. Outcomes in reading, writing and mathematics are now good overall.

However, more pupils have the potential to achieve higher standards. There is a culture of ongoing improvement. Governors are becoming increasingly knowledgeable and systematic when reviewing the effectiveness of the school.

However, there is a need for even more rigour.... Phonics is taught successfully, and pupils make strong progress. Pupils use their phonic skills effectively when reading and writing.

Leaders provide a broad curriculum with a range of exciting first-hand experiences. Most pupils make strong progress in a wide range of subjects including music, art and physical education. Safeguarding is effective.

Pupils are cared for well and feel safe. This is a nurturing school. Teachers monitor pupils' progress regularly, and pupils are known as individuals.

Teachers plan tasks that meet most pupils' needs. Leaders use additional funding for disadvantaged pupils effectively. Most disadvantaged pupils make good progress.

Pupils' personal development, behaviour and welfare are good. Pupils are friendly, and respectful to adults and to each other. They have positive attitudes to their learning.

Leaders use the extra funding for sport thoughtfully. Pupils welcome the additional physical activities organised in lessons and the opportunity to compete with other schools. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development is incorporated into the curriculum and is promoted successfully.

Pupils are prepared well for life in modern Britain. Parents and carers are kept well informed. As a result, they are able to help with learning at home.

Children have a good start in early years with a wide selection of exciting activities. However, as leaders are aware, too few children achieve higher standards.

Information about this school

Hurst Green Church of England Primary School joined another primary school to form the Quercus Federation on 1 September 2016 and came under the jurisdiction of a single governing body.

The school is a voluntary-aided Church of England primary school with a nursery. The last section 48 inspection took place in March 2019 and the school was judged to be good overall. The school expanded to include Nursery-aged children in 2016.

The school is smaller than the average-sized primary school. Some pupils are taught in mixed-aged classes. Most pupils are of White British heritage.

The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium is below the national average. The proportion of pupils with SEND is below the national average. The school has a breakfast club.