Hartwell Primary School is a welcoming village school located in Northamptonshire. The recent inspection conducted on 11 and 12 October 2022 rated the school as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has not been previously inspected under section five of the Education Act 2005, marking this as a significant evaluation of its performance.
Pupils at Hartwell Primary School exhibit friendly and respectful behaviour towards one another, demonstrating the importance of good manners. They feel safe and happy in their environment, trusting the adults in the school to assist them with any issues. The school has a strong anti-bullying culture, with pupils reporting that bullying is not tolerated. The school library is a source of pride for students, with designated 'library guardians' maintaining its organization and facilitating book clubs. Staff at Hartwell have high expectations for their pupils, emphasizing the development of a broad vocabulary across all subjects.
While most parents and carers express positive views about the school, some have indicated a desire for improved communication from the school regarding important updates and information. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with a structured phonics program in place that begins as soon as children start school. Pupils receive additional support if they struggle, ensuring that they can read fluently and confidently. The curriculum is well-organized, detailing what pupils will learn from early years through to Year 6. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that pupils can recall important knowledge from previous years.
Leaders at Hartwell are ambitious for all pupils, adapting lessons to ensure inclusivity for those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and encourage pupils to reflect on their learning, fostering a culture of self-improvement. The early years provision is effective, with activities linked to the planned curriculum that help children develop foundational skills in literacy and numeracy.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports clubs and music programs, which pupils enjoy. They understand the importance of physical fitness and participate in initiatives like the daily mile. The school's values, represented by the acronym 'Hartwell,' encompass honesty, achievement, respect, trust, well-being, enthusiasm, listening, and loving God. These values are evident in the pupils' conduct and contribute to a focused learning environment.
Despite the positive aspects, the school needs to enhance its approach to personal development, particularly in educating pupils about British values and protected characteristics. This will better prepare them for life in modern Britain. Additionally, leaders should refine the curriculum to ensure that all subject plans clearly outline the essential knowledge and skills that pupils need to retain, facilitating connections between current and past learning.
The safeguarding arrangements at Hartwell Primary School are effective, with thorough recruitment procedures and up-to-date training for staff. Pupils are aware of how to report concerns and understand the importance of online safety. Overall, Hartwell Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, with clear areas identified for further development to enhance their learning and personal growth.
