Hallow CofE Primary School, located in Worcester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 11 and 12, 2022. The school fosters a calm and purposeful atmosphere, characterized by a strong sense of community. Pupils express pride in their school and embody its ethos of Loving to learn, learning to love. They engage enthusiastically in their learning and enjoy supporting their peers as buddies. The leadership team maintains high expectations for both academic achievement and behavior, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are encouraged to work diligently and achieve well. The students are noted for their politeness and respect towards others, contributing to a positive school environment.
Pupils feel secure in their school, confident that staff will address any concerns they may have. The school effectively manages instances of bullying and name-calling, which enhances the overall sense of safety among students. Leadership roles are taken seriously by pupils, who participate in activities such as leading assemblies and promoting the school’s values. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, designed to support the learning of all pupils. Subject leaders have identified essential knowledge for students, and lesson sequences are structured to build knowledge and skills progressively. For instance, in art, pupils develop their drawing skills effectively, demonstrating confidence in various techniques by Year 6.
The teaching of reading and phonics is prioritized, with a structured curriculum that begins in Reception and continues through key stage one. Most pupils achieve fluency in reading by the end of Year 2, supported by tailored interventions for those at risk of falling behind. The school promotes a love for reading, offering a diverse selection of books and recognizing pupils' reading achievements with certificates. Mathematics instruction is also robust, with regular practice in arithmetic and times tables, contributing to pupils' enjoyment and understanding of the subject.
While the majority of pupils attend school regularly, a minority exhibit high absence rates, which impacts their learning. The school is actively working to improve attendance systems to address this issue. The wider curriculum offers enriching experiences, including performances, musical instrument lessons, and sports competitions, which pupils enthusiastically participate in. Staff morale is high, and the well-being of all staff members is a priority for school leaders. Governors are engaged and knowledgeable about the curriculum, collaborating effectively with school leaders to enhance the quality of education.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff demonstrating a strong understanding of their responsibilities. They are well-acquainted with the local context and act swiftly on any concerns regarding pupil welfare. Pupils feel comfortable discussing their concerns with staff and are educated on how to keep themselves safe, including online safety.
To further improve, the school needs to ensure that all subject leaders have a clear understanding of the curriculum's impact on pupil learning. Some leaders are new to their roles and have not yet had the opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of their subjects. Additionally, strategies to improve attendance must be developed to ensure that all pupils benefit from consistent education. Overall, Hallow CofE Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
