Horning Community Primary School, located in Norwich, Norfolk, was inspected on 18 and 19 October 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting a positive environment for learning and development. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good. This was the first inspection under section five of the Education Act 2005, as the school had not been previously inspected in this capacity.
Pupils at Horning Community Primary School express enjoyment in their educational experience, highlighting the supportive nature of their teachers and the friendships they form. They feel safe and happy, appreciating the attention and care provided by staff. The school fosters a friendly atmosphere where bullying is rare, and pupils are confident that any concerns will be addressed by adults. The commitment of teachers to provide a high-quality education is evident, as they work diligently to help pupils become proficient in reading and mathematics while also broadening their understanding of the world, particularly the local history and landscape of Norfolk.
In the classroom, pupils are motivated to excel and demonstrate positive behavior, which is encouraged and rewarded. The school has implemented a system where pupils can earn recognition for resilience and other positive traits during assemblies. A variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs, trips, and unique experiences like learning circus skills, enrich the pupils' educational journey.
Leaders at the school are ambitious regarding the educational outcomes for pupils, ensuring a broad and balanced curriculum. They have clearly defined the knowledge and skills that pupils are expected to learn, recognizing the importance of retention in education. The curriculum is sequenced effectively, allowing for regular revisiting of learned material. However, in some subjects, the planning is relatively new, and there are instances where the tasks set for pupils do not consistently reinforce previously learned concepts.
Reading is a priority at Horning Community Primary School, with leaders ensuring that all aspects of the reading curriculum are of high quality. Staff are skilled in teaching reading, providing ample opportunities for practice, and using precise assessments to identify individual pupil needs. The enthusiasm of adults when reading to children fosters a love for literature, and pupils quickly develop their reading skills.
The school promotes positive behavior and attitudes through a consistent approach developed in consultation with experts in social and emotional health. Pupils are aware of the school rules and appreciate being recognized for their good behavior and character development. Leaders are continually seeking ways to enhance personal development opportunities, connecting with the community to engage pupils in charitable events and cultural experiences.
In the early years, staff carefully plan learning experiences across various areas. However, some aspects of the curriculum require further development to ensure that children learn effectively about the wider world. Staff are attentive to the needs of pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate support to access the curriculum.
Governors are committed to improving educational experiences and have invested in resources and systems to support this goal. The head of school and staff are working collaboratively to implement positive changes, fostering a supportive environment for both staff and pupils. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with thorough training for staff and robust systems in place to address any concerns. Overall, Horning Community Primary School provides a nurturing and effective educational environment, with clear areas for continued improvement.
