Hurley Primary School, located in Atherstone, Warwickshire, has been evaluated as a good school following its recent inspection on October 24 and 25, 2023. The school fosters a strong sense of community, where pupils feel valued and cared for, creating an environment that promotes happiness and well-being. The school emphasizes care and kindness, ensuring that all students feel part of a family-like atmosphere. Leadership opportunities are provided for pupils, such as participation in the school council, where they engage actively in developing playground activities, demonstrating enthusiasm and responsibility.
The school promotes its core values, known as the 5Rs, which pupils embrace wholeheartedly. High expectations for behavior are set, and pupils consistently meet these standards, contributing to a calm and purposeful classroom environment. The school has effective measures in place to address bullying, ensuring that incidents are resolved swiftly when they occur. The curriculum is enriched with a variety of trips, clubs, and guest speakers, enhancing the educational experience and fostering a love for learning. Pupils express enthusiasm for reading and enjoy discussing their favorite books and authors, indicating a positive engagement with literacy.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, catering for the diverse needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. It is structured logically, allowing pupils to build knowledge progressively. Teachers receive high-quality training, enabling them to deliver the curriculum effectively and support pupils in their learning. Regular questioning in lessons helps clarify understanding and address misconceptions. However, some subjects require more careful planning of learning activities to ensure they align closely with intended outcomes, as certain important knowledge may be overlooked.
The school has made commendable improvements in writing across the curriculum, providing more opportunities for practice and application of skills. Nonetheless, expectations for written tasks in some subjects remain too low, leading to persistent errors in presentation, grammar, punctuation, and spelling. The school has prioritized reading from early years through to Year 6, with effective phonics instruction and support for pupils needing to catch up. Strong partnerships with the local library and engaging reading initiatives have cultivated a love for reading among pupils.
Pupils with special educational needs are identified early, and staff are well-equipped to provide the necessary support, ensuring they can access the same curriculum as their peers. The positive conduct of pupils is evident throughout the school, with children in the early years learning to share and play cooperatively. The school places a high priority on attendance, and recent strategies have led to improved rates, supported by strong partnerships with families and external agencies.
The curriculum also effectively supports personal development, teaching pupils about online safety, physical health, and the importance of healthy relationships. Governors are knowledgeable about the school and hold leaders accountable, while staff express satisfaction with their workload and well-being. Parents and carers overwhelmingly support the school, reflecting a strong community partnership.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. To further improve, the school needs to ensure that learning tasks in all subjects are closely linked to the curriculum aims, providing a solid foundation for future learning. Additionally, raising expectations for writing across subjects will help address the current inconsistencies in presentation and grammar. Overall, Hurley Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all its pupils.
