Hurdsfield Community Primary School, located in Macclesfield, Cheshire, underwent an inspection on May 10 and 11, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant progress since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils at Hurdsfield Community Primary School feel safe and have a strong understanding of diversity. The school promotes an ethos of inclusivity, ensuring that all pupils feel welcome. Students express happiness in their school environment, enjoying both their lessons and outdoor activities. Reading is emphasized as a core component of the curriculum, with pupils participating in reading passports to track their reading progress.
Behavior in the school is commendable, with pupils responding positively to teachers and quickly settling back into learning after discussions. They take pride in their work, and younger pupils show great enthusiasm during storytime. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, and staff effectively address any concerns that arise.
The school has high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is well-organized, allowing pupils to achieve well in many subjects. However, there are areas where some pupils do not grasp essential knowledge, indicating that leaders need to clarify what they want pupils to learn by the end of each unit. This lack of clarity can lead to gaps in knowledge and understanding.
While the curriculum is designed to link subjects effectively, there are instances where teachers do not focus sufficiently on important subject skills, resulting in some pupils not achieving their full potential. The governing body and school leaders are committed to ensuring that pupils with special educational needs succeed and are prepared for secondary school.
Reading is prioritized, with early years and key stage one pupils learning phonics effectively. Staff regularly assess reading progress and provide additional support to those who need it. By Year 2, pupils demonstrate the skills necessary for fluent reading. The school encourages a love of reading, with a wide selection of well-maintained books available in classrooms.
Pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons, allowing teachers to deliver the curriculum with minimal disruption. In early years, most children concentrate well, although some may struggle with behavior management when not with their usual teachers. Personal development is integrated into the curriculum, with a focus on global citizenship, respect, and resilience. Pupils demonstrate a strong understanding of British values and diversity, believing in the right of everyone to be themselves.
The governing body possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to oversee educational quality, asking challenging questions and supporting staff effectively. Leaders ensure that staff workloads are manageable, and subject leaders receive adequate support to lead their areas.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, with well-trained staff who act promptly when concerns arise. Leaders persist in seeking help from outside agencies when necessary, and pupils learn about various ways to stay safe.
To improve further, the school needs to enhance the design and sequencing of its curriculum in certain subjects. Leaders are already working on this and should continue to identify essential knowledge for pupils to learn. Ensuring that teachers cover all necessary content will help close any gaps in pupils' knowledge and understanding. Overall, Hurdsfield Community Primary School is making commendable strides in providing a quality education for its pupils.
