Yardley Hastings Primary School has recently undergone an inspection on the 7th and 8th of November 2023, achieving an overall effectiveness rating of outstanding. The school has consistently demonstrated excellence in various areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all rated as outstanding. The school was previously exempt from routine inspections due to its outstanding status since its last inspection in September 2011, with an ungraded inspection occurring in January 2020.
Pupils at Yardley Hastings Primary School thrive in an environment that fosters excitement and curiosity. Each day begins with students eager to engage in stimulating learning activities. The staff maintain high aspirations for all pupils, resulting in consistently high achievement levels. The school promotes its SMART values, which encompass self-confidence, motivation, aspirational thinking, resilience, and teamwork. Pupils embody these values, contributing positively to the school community and demonstrating exemplary behavior. They express a strong sense of belonging, with students reporting that everyone looks out for one another.
The school’s leadership has developed a broad and ambitious curriculum designed to equip pupils with essential knowledge and skills for lifelong learning. The curriculum is well-structured, clearly outlining the key knowledge pupils should acquire at each stage. Teachers deliver high-quality lessons, regularly checking for understanding and addressing misconceptions effectively. In mathematics, pupils exhibit confidence and fluency, with younger students able to articulate their learning processes.
Engagement levels among pupils are notably high, as evidenced by their ability to recall and discuss what they have learned in depth. For instance, students in Years 1 and 2 can discuss the artists they have studied, showcasing their understanding of concepts such as Picasso’s blue period and Van Gogh’s artistic techniques. The school ensures that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are fully included in all aspects of school life, with appropriate adaptations made to support their learning.
Reading is highly valued at the school, with pupils developing a love for books and actively recommending them to peers. The curriculum includes diverse texts that promote understanding of different cultures and societal groups, enhancing pupils' awareness of the wider world. The phonics program is effectively delivered, providing additional support for those who struggle with reading.
The early years provision is exceptional, with children in Nursery and Reception benefiting from a stimulating environment that encourages curiosity and skill development. Activities are carefully planned to facilitate learning and vocabulary acquisition. The school’s global curriculum emphasizes personal development, exposing pupils to experiences that broaden their understanding of the world beyond Yardley Hastings.
Despite being a small school, Yardley Hastings Primary offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including a residential trip for older students that incorporates various curriculum elements. The leadership team, governors, and staff work collaboratively, creating a supportive and dedicated environment focused on pupil development. The school prioritizes safeguarding, ensuring effective arrangements are in place to protect students.
Overall, Yardley Hastings Primary School exemplifies excellence in education, fostering a nurturing and ambitious environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally. The commitment to high standards and the well-rounded development of each child is evident throughout the school community.
