Hannah More Primary School, located in Bristol, has undergone a recent inspection that has resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place from March 4 to March 5, 2020, and highlighted several strengths of the school, particularly in the areas of education quality, behavior, attitudes, personal development, and leadership. The school has made significant progress since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement.
Pupils at Hannah More Primary School feel safe and well cared for, with strong relationships evident between students and staff. The joy of learning is apparent, as pupils demonstrate high levels of concentration and enthusiasm in their studies. They engage well with their teachers and collaborate effectively with one another, fostering a positive learning environment. The curriculum is well-organized, particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics, which has led to strong learning outcomes for most pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as those who speak English as an additional language.
The school promotes a nurturing atmosphere where pupils enjoy their time and participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and cultural events. Behavior is generally good, with pupils displaying courtesy and politeness. Instances of unkind behavior or bullying are rare, and pupils feel confident that staff will address any issues that arise.
Leadership at the school is strong, with the headteacher and senior leaders actively working to enhance the curriculum's effectiveness. While some leaders are new to their roles and are still developing their planning skills, there is a clear structure in place for what teachers should teach and the sequence of lessons. This clarity helps ensure that pupils understand the material before progressing to more challenging concepts.
The school also emphasizes the importance of reading, with effective strategies in place to support pupils who struggle. The curriculum is designed to ignite pupils' imaginations and connect different subjects, although there are areas where the specifics of what pupils should learn could be more clearly defined. This is particularly true in subjects outside of English and mathematics, where some pupils may not be achieving their full potential.
The early years curriculum is effective in laying the groundwork for children's development across all learning areas. Staff build strong relationships with children, which supports their emotional and social growth. The focus on early reading skills and the use of appropriate mathematical resources prepare children well for their transition to Year 1.
The school has a dedicated and motivated staff team that collaborates effectively and learns from one another. Governors play an active role in holding school leaders accountable and ensuring that the school continues to improve. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to recognize and respond to any concerns regarding pupil safety.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some curriculum leaders need further support to develop their oversight of subject planning and implementation. Additionally, the school must refine its curriculum to ensure that all teachers clearly communicate the expected learning outcomes for pupils, particularly in subjects like science, where some students may not be making the progress they could.
Overall, Hannah More Primary School is a thriving educational institution that provides a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils. The commitment to continuous improvement and the focus on high-quality education are evident throughout the school.
