Hingham Primary School, located in Hingham, Norfolk, underwent an inspection on July 11 and 12, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as Requires Improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as Good.
Pupils express a strong affection for their school, appreciating the kindness of teachers and the diverse range of interesting subjects offered. The curriculum has been enhanced since the last inspection, leading to improved pupil achievement across most subjects. The school's behavior management system, encapsulated in the mantra On Board, effectively promotes good behavior, with pupils responding promptly to instructions. Parents have reported positive experiences, with many adopting the behavior strategies at home.
Pupils enjoy a supportive social environment, with friendships flourishing and bullying being described as a rare occurrence. The school ensures that any instances of unkind behavior are swiftly addressed. Safety is a priority, and pupils feel comfortable discussing any concerns with adults. The early years provision is effective, with children engaging in enjoyable learning activities and being well-prepared for Year 1.
The school offers a variety of sports and extracurricular clubs, contributing to pupils' personal development. The on-site forest school is integrated into the curriculum, fostering teamwork and collaboration among pupils. Leaders have successfully improved the curriculum, with most subjects being well-planned and taught effectively. However, some curriculum leaders require more time to support teachers and monitor their subjects, which has led to inconsistent progress in a few areas.
The governing body has a solid understanding of the school and actively engages in regular visits to provide support and challenge to school leaders. Teachers maintain high expectations for pupil achievement and provide effective assistance when pupils encounter difficulties. The classroom environment is conducive to learning, with minimal disruption and attentive listening from pupils.
Reading is a strong focus at Hingham Primary School, with staff providing effective support to ensure all pupils can read fluently by the end of Year 3. The phonics program is consistently well-taught, and pupils are encouraged to explore a wide range of reading materials. Those with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, ensuring their inclusion in lessons and promoting good progress.
The early years provision is robust, with children quickly settling into their classes and making strong progress across all areas of learning. High expectations from staff contribute to a safe and engaging learning environment. Leaders facilitate a variety of educational visits and guest speakers, enriching the curriculum and promoting respect and support among pupils.
Staff at Hingham Primary School take pride in their work and benefit from effective professional development. They report feeling supported in their roles, with manageable workloads. The school's safeguarding arrangements are effective, with robust systems in place to ensure pupil safety. Staff are well-trained and confident in identifying and reporting concerns, and leaders collaborate with external agencies to provide necessary support.
In summary, Hingham Primary School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, demonstrating a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a positive school environment. While there are areas for further improvement, particularly in ensuring all curriculum leaders have adequate time for support and monitoring, the overall effectiveness of the school is commendable.
