Heartwood CofE VC Primary & Nursery School in Swaffham, Norfolk, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on July 13 and 14, 2023. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where high expectations are set for pupils, encouraging them to rise to challenges. Pupils are actively engaged in their learning and are encouraged to develop a sense of responsibility and citizenship both within the school and the wider community. The curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to learn about respect, empathy, and the importance of understanding different perspectives, particularly in the early years.
The relationships between pupils and staff are positive, fostering an atmosphere of trust and support. Pupils feel safe and confident that any issues, including bullying, will be addressed promptly by staff. The school’s motto, Learn to love – love to learn, reflects its commitment to nurturing a love for learning and respect for diversity. Pupils take pride in their responsibilities, whether in lessons or through roles such as subject ambassadors or members of the eco club.
The leadership team has prioritized the well-being of pupils and has made significant strides in improving the school. The curriculum is designed around three key themes: making a difference, academic aspirations, and community living. This approach aims to address the challenges faced by the local community. The focus on phonics and early reading has been particularly effective, with staff promoting a love of reading through daily story time and carefully selected texts that match pupils' abilities and interests. Phonics instruction begins early in Reception, and skilled teachers support pupils in becoming fluent readers.
However, the inspection highlighted that pupils do not always learn as effectively across the entire curriculum. While some subjects allow for good recall of prior learning, others lack opportunities for pupils to retain and retrieve key information. Leaders are working to ensure that all subjects are delivered as intended, but further improvements are needed in lesson planning to enhance knowledge retention.
In the early years, leaders have identified essential knowledge and skills for children to be ready for key stage one. Children are engaged and responsive to high expectations set by adults, who effectively teach early reading, writing, and mathematics. The school provides effective support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can access the curriculum alongside their peers.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior and respect for one another and adults, following established routines and expectations. The personal, social, and health education curriculum aligns with the school’s values, teaching pupils about safe and respectful relationships. Extra-curricular clubs are popular and accessible, contributing to pupils' personal development and understanding of equality.
The leadership team has a clear vision for the school, supported by a committed governing body that understands the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. Staff feel valued and appreciated for their contributions. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report potential risks to pupils. Leaders collaborate with external agencies to ensure timely support for pupils in need.
To improve further, the school needs to ensure that all teachers consistently provide activities that reinforce the knowledge taught, enabling pupils to remember and apply important subject knowledge. Additionally, leaders should refine their monitoring processes to evaluate the impact of their actions more effectively. Overall, Heartwood CofE VC Primary & Nursery School is a good school with a strong foundation for continued improvement.
