Trotts Hill Primary and Nursery School, located in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 8 and 9, 2022. The school provides a positive learning environment where pupils enjoy their education. They find lessons engaging and are encouraged to participate in various activities, including singing, role play, and outdoor learning through the forest school program. The school promotes a culture of respect and tolerance among students, leading to good behavior and a low incidence of bullying. Staff members build strong, caring relationships with pupils, fostering a sense of safety and happiness.
Teachers at Trotts Hill have high expectations for their students and tailor their teaching to meet individual needs. They provide additional support through one-on-one or group catch-up sessions for those who require it, including personalized plans for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. This approach has resulted in significant progress in pupils' learning. The school offers numerous opportunities for students to explore their interests and talents through various clubs, activities, and sports teams, as well as leadership roles such as student council members and eco-warriors.
The leadership team has successfully empowered teachers to create a broad and ambitious curriculum that is informed by effective practices. The curriculum is designed to build pupils' knowledge progressively over time. For instance, in mathematics, the school collaborates with a local maths hub to implement effective teaching strategies. The curriculum includes experiential learning opportunities, such as visits to local historical sites, which help students develop essential skills. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and utilize assessments to adapt their teaching based on pupils' understanding.
While pupils achieve well, particularly in reading, there are areas for improvement. The school has established a strong foundation for reading from the nursery stage, where children are introduced to a variety of picture books and phonics. Staff are well-trained in phonics instruction, ensuring that reading materials align with pupils' phonics knowledge. However, there are instances where teachers do not reinforce learning effectively, leading to difficulties in recalling information. Leaders need to focus on ensuring that all pupils retain key knowledge in the long term and can apply it effectively.
Pupils exhibit good behavior, with minimal disruption during lessons. This is attributed to the staff's understanding of pupils' needs, particularly those with special educational needs. The school has implemented a comprehensive personal, social, and health education program, complemented by an assembly program that teaches British values. Pupils appreciate the wide range of extracurricular activities and trips available to them.
The school is well-managed, with leaders considering staff workload and well-being. Since the last inspection, the headteacher has worked with governors to enhance the governance structure, ensuring that governors provide robust and independent challenges. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify and address concerns promptly. Pupils are aware of the support available to them if they have worries.
In summary, Trotts Hill Primary and Nursery School continues to provide a good education, with a strong emphasis on pupil well-being and academic achievement. The school is committed to improving its practices, particularly in reinforcing learning and ensuring long-term retention of knowledge. The leadership team is dedicated to maintaining a positive and effective learning environment for all students.
