Horrabridge Primary and Nursery School has recently undergone an inspection, with the overall effectiveness rated as good. The school has maintained a positive environment where pupils thrive and express pride in their achievements. The pupils are described as vibrant and confident, actively participating in their school community and taking on responsibilities with care. The school fosters a purposeful and inspiring atmosphere for learning, with pupils demonstrating good conduct and supportive relationships with one another.
The inclusive culture of the school is highly valued by the pupils, who show a strong understanding of diversity, particularly regarding disability and religion. They treat everyone equally and recognize the importance of fairness and rights in society. The school prioritizes the personal development of its pupils, providing a wealth of experiences that help them develop their talents and interests across various areas, including sports, music, and art. Parental feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the school's impact on their children's education and preparation for future stages.
The quality of education provided is ambitious and well-structured, with a strong emphasis on reading. The curriculum is sequenced effectively, allowing pupils to achieve high standards. In Reception, children develop phonics knowledge well and enjoy reading. The school promptly addresses any issues that arise, ensuring that pupils keep pace with their peers. The focus on language development in early years is evident, with staff modeling effective interactions that children replicate during learning activities.
While the school excels in many areas, there are subjects within the curriculum that require further development. For instance, the mathematics curriculum is still in its early stages of implementation, and its impact is not yet fully realized. Other subjects in the wider curriculum do not yet match the effectiveness of those that are well-established. The school is aware of these challenges and is actively working to enhance the curriculum across all subjects.
Pupils generally respond well to the high expectations set by the school, but there are instances where these expectations are not consistently upheld, leading to mixed experiences in some subjects. The school is addressing this issue to ensure that all pupils have a uniform understanding of what is expected of them. The provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is a notable strength, with the school effectively adapting learning to overcome barriers and ensuring an inclusive approach.
The school has robust measures in place to maintain high attendance rates, with clear communication of expectations to parents. Pupils feel safe and supported, fostering a positive environment conducive to learning. The governing body is knowledgeable about the school's strengths and areas for improvement, providing effective support and challenge to drive progress.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. Overall, while the school has many strengths, it recognizes the need for continued development in certain areas of the curriculum and the consistent application of high expectations across all classes. The commitment of the staff to improve and provide the best possible education for pupils is evident, and the school is well-positioned to build on its successes.
