Hartford Primary School, located in Northwich, Cheshire, was inspected on November 30 and December 1, 2021. The school has been rated as good across all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This inspection was significant as it followed a long gap since the last inspection, which took place 14 years ago when the school was rated outstanding.
The school environment is welcoming, with staff greeting parents, carers, and pupils each morning. Classrooms are vibrant and engaging, allowing pupils to settle quickly into their work. Pupils exhibit politeness and respect, expressing pride in their school. They feel safe and well cared for, reporting that bullying is rare and effectively managed by staff. Leaders maintain high expectations for both learning and behaviour, fostering an atmosphere where pupils are encouraged to strive for their best.
The school promotes values such as responsibility, respect, aspiration, and pride, which pupils actively embrace. They appreciate the recognition they receive for good behaviour and attitudes. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, a variety of after-school clubs were available, and pupils are eager for these to resume, along with planned residential visits.
In the early years, children receive a strong start, with staff setting high expectations and providing a broad curriculum. Established routines help children develop positive learning attitudes, and they engage in meaningful conversations. The school prioritizes reading, ensuring children are exposed to a wide range of books from their first days. A consistent phonics teaching approach is in place, with well-trained staff monitoring pupils' progress closely. Support is provided for those who struggle, enabling them to keep pace with their peers.
Pupils have historically performed well in reading, writing, and mathematics. Leaders have worked collaboratively with staff to enhance other subject areas, although some subjects lack clear guidance on the knowledge pupils need to build upon their existing understanding. The school has effective systems to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can access the same curriculum as their classmates.
Behaviour in the school is generally excellent, with most pupils demonstrating respect towards one another and staff. However, some older boys occasionally display disrespectful behaviour, which can disrupt learning. The school teaches pupils about maintaining physical and mental health and respecting diverse cultures. Older pupils enjoy taking on additional responsibilities, such as leading sports activities during lunchtime.
Staff express pride in their work at the school and feel supported by leadership, which is mindful of their workload. The governing body possesses a range of expertise, allowing them to effectively hold leaders accountable and support the school's development.
The safeguarding arrangements at Hartford Primary School are effective, with a strong culture of safety prioritized by leaders and governors. Staff are well-trained and understand their responsibilities in protecting pupils. They also educate pupils on staying safe online and in the community.
To improve, the school needs to provide more guidance and support in a few subjects to help teachers deliver the curriculum effectively. Additionally, addressing the behaviour of some older boys is necessary to ensure a respectful learning environment for all pupils. Overall, Hartford Primary School demonstrates a commitment to fostering a positive educational experience for its pupils.
