Little Hallingbury Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, located in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, has undergone significant improvements since its previous inspection. The school is recognized for its good overall effectiveness, with leadership and management, quality of teaching, personal development, behavior, welfare, and outcomes for pupils all rated as good. The early years provision stands out as outstanding, reflecting the school’s commitment to fostering a nurturing and effective learning environment.
The leadership team, led by the headteacher and supported by a capable senior team, has established a clear and ambitious vision that is embraced by the entire staff. This collaborative approach has resulted in notable advancements in various areas, particularly in mathematics, which was previously identified as a weaker subject. The school’s governance is effective, providing both support and challenge to the leadership team, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
Teaching at the school is well-planned and tailored to meet the diverse needs of pupils. Teachers utilize assessment information effectively to provide appropriately challenging work, fostering a positive learning atmosphere. Pupils demonstrate good attitudes and behavior in lessons and throughout the school, contributing to a calm and respectful environment. Parental support for the school is strong, with many acknowledging the positive changes implemented by the leadership team.
The progress of disadvantaged pupils is commendable, with leaders utilizing pupil premium funding strategically to address barriers to learning. The early years provision is particularly noteworthy, as children make exceptional progress due to outstanding teaching and a well-structured curriculum. Attendance rates have improved as a result of effective measures taken by leaders to address persistent non-attendance.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas identified for further improvement. Enhancing questioning techniques among teachers is essential to encourage deeper thinking among pupils. Additionally, mathematics instruction should provide more opportunities for pupils to articulate their reasoning and problem-solving processes. In foundation subjects, there is a need for a more focused approach to developing higher-order skills.
The leadership of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision is strong, with accurate identification and assessment processes in place. Leaders understand the barriers faced by disadvantaged pupils and implement targeted strategies to support their learning. The school’s curriculum is well-constructed, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all subjects, and includes engaging topics that capture pupils’ interest.
Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is thoughtfully integrated into the curriculum, with explicit teaching of British values. The school promotes healthy lifestyles through an active sports curriculum, and pupils participate in a variety of physical activities, contributing to their overall well-being.
Overall, Little Hallingbury Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School is a good school that has made significant strides in improving educational outcomes for its pupils. The leadership team’s commitment to continuous improvement, coupled with effective teaching and a supportive environment, positions the school well for future success. The focus on enhancing questioning techniques and developing higher-order skills in foundation subjects will further strengthen the quality of education provided. The school’s dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment is evident, making it a valuable asset to the community it serves.
