John Hellins Primary School, located in Potterspury, Northamptonshire, has been recognized for its outstanding educational practices. The recent inspection conducted on May 17 and 18, 2022, confirmed that the school maintains its overall judgment of outstanding. However, it was noted that if a full inspection were to occur now, the grade might not be as high, indicating areas for potential improvement. The next inspection is expected to be a full section five inspection.
The school is characterized by a positive and happy atmosphere, with pupils, parents, and staff expressing satisfaction with the learning environment. Pupils demonstrate a love for learning and are motivated to excel, reflecting the school's ethos of striving for excellence. The behavior of pupils is commendable, as they engage in calm and sensible interactions throughout the school. During social times, they participate in various activities and enjoy each other's company. Trusting relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a sense of safety, with pupils feeling confident that any issues, including bullying, will be addressed promptly.
Pupils at John Hellins Primary School take pride in their responsibilities, such as caring for school animals and managing class garden plots. The school council actively engages in fundraising efforts to enhance the school’s resources and support charitable causes. Parents appreciate the warm and welcoming culture fostered by the school, with many highlighting the supportive nature of the teachers.
The school excels in its curriculum design, ensuring that essential knowledge and vocabulary are sequenced effectively across subjects. Leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum that builds pupils' knowledge logically. Subject leaders demonstrate strong expertise and collaborate effectively, although the full impact of the curriculum is still emerging in some areas. The pandemic has partially hindered the complete embedding of the curriculum, affecting the security of knowledge for a few pupils.
Regular training for staff ensures that they remain knowledgeable in their subjects, and teachers provide opportunities for pupils to recall prior learning. Early years education is particularly strong, with children beginning their reading journey promptly and receiving tailored support to ensure they keep pace with their peers. Reading is prioritized, and pupils are excited about the new library being constructed.
The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. However, some learning plans lack precision, which can hinder the progress of a small number of pupils. Teachers are skilled in delivering the curriculum, fostering curiosity and motivation among pupils, who exhibit positive attitudes and respect for one another.
Beyond academics, the school emphasizes the holistic development of pupils, offering various extracurricular activities that promote personal growth. Opportunities for outdoor learning, guest speakers, and school trips enrich the educational experience. Governors are well-informed about the school's priorities and effectively hold leaders accountable. Staff express positive sentiments regarding the consideration of their well-being and workload.
The inspection highlighted the need for improvement in the precision of targets for pupils with special educational needs and the embedding of the curriculum across all subjects. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that all pupils' targets are specific and monitored to facilitate optimal achievement. Overall, John Hellins Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, with a clear path for future enhancements.
