Ofsted conducted a visit to The Hackthorn Church of England Primary School on 21 October 2020, as part of its efforts to understand how schools are managing the return to full education following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This visit was not an inspection, and therefore no graded judgments were made. The purpose was to gather insights into the school's operations and the measures taken since the government mandated the full reopening of schools in September 2020.
During the visit, the headteacher, Karen Appleby, provided valuable information regarding the school's actions and adaptations in response to the pandemic. The school reopened to all pupils on 3 September 2020, and attendance levels were reported to be in line with typical figures for this time of year. However, it was noted that all pupils in the infant class were self-isolating at the time of the visit due to protective measures.
The school has maintained a broad curriculum, with most subjects being taught. However, the teaching of modern foreign languages was temporarily paused, with plans to resume in November 2020. Teachers have been proactive in assessing pupils' reading skills, identifying gaps in phonics understanding among younger students. To address these gaps, additional phonics lessons have been implemented before the school day begins.
In mathematics, teachers have evaluated pupils' knowledge and found no significant gaps in understanding. However, some pupils have experienced a decline in their skills related to spelling, punctuation, and grammar. In response, school leaders have allocated more time to writing instruction and have appointed a teacher to provide extra writing sessions to help pupils catch up.
The school has also prioritized the physical and mental well-being of its students. Increased opportunities for exercise have been integrated into the school day, reflecting a commitment to improving overall health. Furthermore, leaders have developed online learning resources for pupils who are self-isolating, ensuring that they can continue to access the same curriculum as their peers in school through virtual lessons.
The visit highlighted the school's dedication to maintaining educational standards and supporting pupils during a challenging time. The information gathered will contribute to Ofsted's national reporting, which aims to inform the government and the education sector about the current state of education in England. The visit did not reveal any significant concerns, and as a result, no formal inspection report will be published.
Overall, The Hackthorn Church of England Primary School has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of unprecedented challenges. The leadership team has taken proactive steps to assess and address the needs of pupils, ensuring that they receive a comprehensive education while also focusing on their well-being. The insights gained from this visit will play a role in shaping future educational policies and practices, reflecting the ongoing commitment to improving the educational landscape in England. The school community's efforts during this period are commendable, and the findings from the visit will serve as a valuable resource for understanding the broader implications of the pandemic on education.
