Harlestone Primary School, located in Northamptonshire, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on May 22 and 23, 2024, and the school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in February 2023. The school is characterized by a supportive and inclusive environment, with parents, pupils, and staff expressing high levels of satisfaction. Parents appreciate the school's warm atmosphere, and pupils feel happy and safe, knowing they can approach staff with any concerns. The positive relationships among pupils and staff contribute to a nurturing educational experience.
The curriculum at Harlestone Primary has been transformed, with high expectations set for pupils. Classrooms are described as busy and purposeful, fostering positive attitudes towards learning. While most pupils achieve well, there are some who do not reach their full potential. Attendance and behavior are commendable, with pupils understanding the importance of respect and kindness, aligning with both British values and the school's ethos. The leadership team has been instrumental in driving rapid improvements, ensuring a stable and settled environment following recent staffing changes. Leaders have a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development.
The school offers an ambitious and inclusive curriculum that builds knowledge progressively from early years to Year 6. Subject leaders have worked diligently to enhance the curriculum, and parents have expressed their support for the school's efforts. The early years provision is of high quality, preparing children well for their transition to Year 1. The learning environment in Reception is stimulating, although there are instances where staff may not fully recognize when children are ready for more complex tasks.
Harlestone Primary has invested in new reading materials to foster a culture of reading among pupils. These resources help develop empathy and respect for diversity. Daily dedicated reading time is prioritized, and pupils enjoy engaging storytelling sessions led by their teachers. The teaching of phonics and early reading is generally effective, with staff conducting regular checks to ensure pupils are on track. However, there are occasions when additional support for struggling pupils is not consistently provided.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and effectively plan engaging lessons. They communicate learning expectations clearly and utilize various methods to assess understanding. Nonetheless, there are times when pupils are not promptly challenged with more demanding tasks, which can hinder their progress. Writing standards vary across subjects, and leaders recognize the need for improvement in developing pupils' writing skills over time.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive strong support, with staff collaborating effectively with parents and external services. The school has a robust oversight system in place to ensure these pupils achieve well. The personal, social, health, and economic education program is well-structured, allowing pupils to contribute positively to school life through various responsibilities and extracurricular activities.
The safeguarding arrangements at Harlestone Primary are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Moving forward, the school aims to enhance staff expectations and ensure that all pupils are consistently challenged to achieve their best. By focusing on developing writing skills across subjects, the school seeks to raise overall standards and ensure that every pupil reaches their full potential. The commitment to continuous improvement and the strong support from the community position Harlestone Primary as a school dedicated to providing quality education for all its pupils.
