Haresfield Church of England Primary School, located in Haresfield, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 30, 2022. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where staff demonstrate a deep commitment to the well-being and success of their pupils. This nurturing atmosphere fosters a sense of belonging among students, who describe their experience as akin to being part of a family. The pupils exhibit good manners and sociability, showing motivation and eagerness to engage with their learning. They appreciate the school’s motto, Aim high, which encourages them to strive for excellence.
The relationships between adults and pupils are strong and supportive, contributing to a respectful and positive school culture. Staff maintain high expectations for behavior, and pupils are aware of the standards expected of them. The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, and pupils feel confident that any issues will be addressed promptly by the adults in the school. Safety is a priority, with pupils expressing trust in the staff to care for them. They have access to resources like the Worry Monster, which helps them articulate and manage their emotions.
Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school, often praising the pastoral care and the overall educational experience. The leadership team is described as ambitious and enthusiastic, with staff across various roles contributing to the school’s success. High staff morale is evident, with team collaboration being a common theme among staff comments.
The school’s curriculum is broad and rich, covering a wide range of subjects. However, there are areas where improvements are needed, particularly in ensuring that the curriculum is ambitious enough to help all pupils reach their full potential. In some subjects, the curriculum lacks clarity regarding the essential knowledge that pupils need to acquire. Leaders are encouraged to enhance the curriculum's rigor and ambition to better prepare pupils for future learning stages.
Reading is a strong focus at Haresfield, with early reading instruction beginning as soon as children start school. Pupils engage in regular phonics practice and have access to a diverse selection of books that stimulate their interest in reading. The mathematics curriculum is generally well-structured, allowing pupils to apply their knowledge effectively. In history, pupils enjoy exploring significant events, such as the Second World War, although there is a need for more consistent support across all year groups to build the necessary depth of knowledge.
The school provides effective support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers. Leaders are attentive to the needs of these pupils, offering tailored teaching and pastoral support.
Haresfield Church of England Primary School also emphasizes the importance of wider development through various extracurricular activities, including cooking, chess, and residential trips. These experiences enrich pupils' education and foster personal growth.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to concerns promptly. The curriculum includes lessons on safety, such as substance misuse and internet safety, ensuring pupils are well-informed about how to protect themselves.
Overall, Haresfield Church of England Primary School continues to provide a good educational experience, with a strong emphasis on pupil well-being, safety, and a commitment to high standards of teaching and learning. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in curriculum development, to ensure all pupils can achieve their full potential.
