Hipswell Church of England Primary School, located in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on May 17 and 18, 2023. The school serves a diverse population, with a significant number of service children due to its location within a British Army Garrison town. The leadership team is ambitious and recognizes the unique challenges faced by students who may join or leave the school at different times due to parental postings. This understanding fosters a supportive environment where pupils can settle quickly and feel secure.
The school prioritizes the emotional well-being of its students, ensuring that they understand the rules and the importance of safety, both in person and online. Incidents of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, they are addressed promptly. The culture of inclusivity is evident, with pupils valuing diversity and taking on responsibilities to support one another, particularly through initiatives like the Hipswell Heroes Group, which assists peers during parental deployments.
The curriculum has been recently redesigned to be ambitious, with a strong focus on mathematics and reading. However, some subjects are still in the early stages of development. While subjects like geography and history are well-structured, the systems in place to assess pupils' knowledge and learning do not fully align with the curriculum being taught. Leaders are committed to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, have access to the same curriculum as their peers.
Reading instruction is effective, utilizing a consistent phonics approach that matches books to pupils' phonetic knowledge. Pupils generally enjoy reading, and additional support is provided for those who struggle. However, there are instances where this support does not fully address individual learning needs, hindering rapid progress for some students.
The early years provision is well-designed, offering children a solid foundation for their education. Staff engage children effectively, using questions and prompts to encourage critical thinking. Despite this, some routines are not yet fully established, which can affect the effectiveness of learning experiences. Parental involvement is strong, with various sessions organized to help parents support their children's learning at home.
Pupils exhibit positive behavior, demonstrating politeness and consideration towards each other and their teachers. The school environment is calm and conducive to learning, with students expressing enjoyment in their school experience. Opportunities for extracurricular activities, such as tennis and bikeability, allow pupils to explore their interests and develop their talents.
Governance at the school is a strength, with governors possessing a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They provide effective support and challenge to the leadership team. Staff feel supported and invested in, which contributes to a motivated workforce dedicated to enhancing the school.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. The processes for checking the implementation of the curriculum need to be strengthened to provide leaders with a clearer understanding of what is working well and what requires further development. Additionally, the support provided for pupils who have fallen behind in reading needs to be more tailored to their specific learning needs to facilitate quicker progress. Overall, Hipswell Church of England Primary School is a good school that is committed to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
