St Hardulph's Church of England Primary School, located in Breedon-on-the-Hill, Derbyshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 24, 2022. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils express happiness in attending and leaving school, describing it as a family-like atmosphere. Strong relationships between staff and students contribute to a supportive learning environment. Pupils exhibit good behavior, demonstrating respect and good manners towards one another. The school has clear expectations for behavior, and students appreciate the rewards system that encourages them to strive for achievements such as headteacher's awards.
Playtimes are characterized as fun and safe, with pupils reporting no incidents of bullying. They understand the difference between conflicts and bullying, and they feel confident that school leaders would address any issues promptly. The school takes pride in its community connections, particularly with the local church and Breedon Quarry, where pupils engage in learning about their community and beyond, including initiatives like Farmer Time with a dairy farmer in Aberdeen.
The leadership team at St Hardulph's has high aspirations for all pupils and is proud of the curriculum offered. Recent curriculum plans have been implemented across all subjects, with particular strengths noted in mathematics and phonics. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that the most important knowledge in some subjects is clearly defined and retained by pupils over time. Instances were noted where pupils struggled to accurately recall historical events.
The phonics curriculum is well-structured, outlining the sounds to be learned and their sequence. However, its implementation has been inconsistent, with some pupils not effectively using their phonics skills when reading. Leaders need to ensure that staff are adequately trained to identify and correct mistakes promptly, allowing pupils to practice and reinforce their phonics knowledge.
Reading is prioritized from the start of a child's education, with staff supporting parents in understanding the reading instruction methods used in school. The school emphasizes reading for pleasure, providing a diverse selection of books in the new library to foster a love of reading among pupils. The curriculum encourages students to engage with increasingly complex texts.
In the early years, staff demonstrate a strong understanding of children's needs, planning learning that builds on their existing knowledge. The curriculum is designed to prepare children for Year One effectively. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, with leaders ensuring that additional help is provided promptly.
The school promotes personal development, teaching pupils about discrimination and inclusivity. Students express confidence that everyone is treated equally and understand that some may require different support. They have a good grasp of British values and their significance.
Parents and carers hold positive views of the school, appreciating its caring spirit and support for children of all abilities. The small size of the school allows staff to take on multiple roles, and they feel supported in their work. Governors are actively involved, regularly visiting the school and holding leaders accountable.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with pupils feeling safe and supported. Staff receive regular training, and concerns are addressed promptly. Pupils learn about online safety, contributing to a nurturing environment.
To improve, leaders need to ensure consistent implementation of the new phonics scheme and clarify the key knowledge pupils should learn across subjects. This will help enhance retention and understanding, ensuring that all pupils can successfully recall what they have learned.
