Hapton Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, located in Norfolk, underwent an inspection on June 6 and 7, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, a significant decline from its previous inspection grade of good. The quality of education, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all identified as areas needing improvement, while behavior and attitudes were rated as good.
The school is characterized by a positive atmosphere where pupils feel valued and safe. The Christian values embedded in the school culture contribute to a supportive environment. Pupils demonstrate good behavior during lessons and social interactions, and they are able to articulate their learning experiences confidently. However, the curriculum does not yet ensure that pupils retain knowledge effectively over time, which impacts their overall learning outcomes. This includes shortcomings in the personal, social, and health education program.
Leadership changes have led to instability, affecting the quality of education. Interim leaders are working to implement improvements and a new curriculum, but many changes are still in the early stages and not fully integrated. In some subjects, particularly in early years, there is a lack of clarity regarding the essential knowledge that pupils need to acquire. Consequently, learning does not build effectively on prior knowledge, and staff may not feel adequately trained to deliver the curriculum confidently.
In subjects where the curriculum is well-structured, such as mathematics, pupils show strong understanding and problem-solving skills. Teachers effectively assess pupils' knowledge and provide appropriate support for their learning progression. Subject leaders are beginning to evaluate the impact of the curriculum, but there is still a lack of comprehensive oversight regarding the strengths and weaknesses across the entire curriculum.
The school promotes a love of reading, linking high-quality texts to various subjects, which pupils enjoy. Early reading instruction is a strength, with children starting to learn phonics immediately in Reception. Staff are well-trained to identify and support pupils who may struggle with reading, ensuring they receive the necessary interventions to catch up.
Pupils' behavior is commendable, with clear rules and routines fostering a calm learning environment. Attendance is being actively monitored, and leaders are working with families to improve punctuality and regular attendance. Pupils learn to develop positive relationships and respect for others, although the new PSHE curriculum has just been introduced, and gaps in knowledge remain.
The interim executive board, supported by the local authority, has provided stability during a period of change. Staff morale is reported to be high despite the challenges faced. Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong culture of safety within the school. Leaders prioritize pupil welfare and work diligently with external agencies to ensure that all pupils are protected.
To improve, the school must focus on enhancing the delivery of the curriculum, particularly in subjects like PSHE, where clarity and guidance are lacking. Staff training and planning need to be strengthened to ensure that pupils develop the intended knowledge and skills. Additionally, better use of assessment is necessary to track pupil progress and inform teaching practices. Subject leaders should enhance their evaluation of curriculum implementation to ensure that all pupils are learning effectively and achieving their potential.
