Hemington Primary School, located in Derbyshire, has received a positive inspection report, highlighting its commitment to providing a good quality of education. The inspection took place on November 5 and 6, 2024, and the school was rated as good in all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The school has maintained its previous inspection grade of good, demonstrating consistent performance.
Pupils at Hemington Primary School express pride in their school, embodying the values of respect, responsibility, and readiness. They feel happy, safe, and well cared for, exhibiting respectful and polite behaviour towards one another. The school sets high expectations for learning across various subjects, including English and mathematics, and pupils are recognized for their positive attitudes and efforts. The implementation of a new behaviour ladder has contributed to improved conduct among students, fostering a supportive environment where older pupils mentor younger ones.
The school emphasizes personal development, offering numerous opportunities for pupils to grow in character and resilience. Strong pastoral care is evident, with memorable experiences such as residential trips and theatre visits enriching the pupils' education. The pupil leadership team is well-respected, and students enjoy participating in decision-making processes regarding school matters. Parents and carers hold positive views about the school, often noting their children's eagerness to attend and share their learning experiences.
Leadership at Hemington Primary School is characterized by a clear vision and moral purpose. Since the last inspection, leaders have made significant improvements to the school's provision. The curriculum is broad and well-structured, particularly in subjects like English and mathematics, where pupils build knowledge and understanding over time. However, some subjects lack the same level of ambition and clarity in their curriculums, leading to inconsistencies in teaching and learning. The school recognizes the need to enhance these areas to ensure all subjects are equally well-developed.
Reading is a priority at Hemington Primary School, with regular sessions that foster a love for reading among pupils. Staff are well-trained in phonics instruction, enabling students to become confident and fluent readers. The school provides additional support for those who need it, ensuring that all pupils can keep up with their peers. The early years provision is also strong, focusing on developing children's speech and communication skills through meaningful interactions.
The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers. High expectations for behaviour are met, with improvements noted in recent terms. Children in the early years receive excellent care and are well-prepared for their next educational stage.
Pupils benefit from a well-developed personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum, which teaches them about rights and responsibilities, British values, and safety. Leaders and governors are aware of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, and staff express pride in their work environment, feeling supported in their roles.
The safeguarding arrangements at Hemington Primary School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement, focusing on enhancing the curriculum and assessment practices to better support pupil learning and development. Overall, Hemington Primary School is a nurturing and effective educational environment that prioritizes the well-being and growth of its pupils.
