On December 9, 2020, Ofsted conducted a visit to Hewens Primary School in Hayes, Middlesex, to assess the school's response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This visit was part of a broader initiative to understand how schools across England are managing the return to full education after an extended period of disruption. The visit was not an inspection, and no graded judgments were made. Instead, it focused on discussions with the headteacher, senior leadership team, and the senior leader responsible for safeguarding, without engaging directly with pupils due to protective measures in place.
Since the full reopening of schools in September 2020, approximately one-third of pupils at Hewens Primary School have had to learn from home while isolating, with some experiencing multiple periods of remote learning. Despite these challenges, the school has maintained a comprehensive curriculum, ensuring that pupils continue to study a wide range of subjects. Notably, there has been an increased emphasis on reading, writing, and mathematics, with leaders allocating more time to these core subjects than before. Adjustments have also been made to the curriculum content, such as replacing singing in music classes with a focus on theory and composition, with plans to return to the usual curriculum by summer 2021.
Leaders have taken proactive steps to assess pupils' starting points upon their return to school. This has led to a heightened focus on reading, with staff listening to pupils read more frequently and providing additional support for those needing help with phonics. Furthermore, teachers are dedicating more time to enhancing pupils' vocabulary and handwriting skills. In mathematics, leaders identified key areas for reinforcement, such as place value and calculation methods, and have adjusted teaching strategies accordingly. Pupils are also attending extra lessons outside regular school hours to bolster their understanding of mathematical reasoning.
In addition to academic subjects, the school has prioritized personal, social, health, and economic education (PSHE). Leaders have increased the time allocated for discussions about pupils' feelings and experiences, aiming to promote mental health and resilience. The PSHE curriculum has been adapted to encourage the formation of new friendships among pupils, which is particularly important in the context of the pandemic.
Hewens Primary School has also implemented a robust remote education program for pupils who need to learn from home. This program combines paper-based and digital activities, ensuring that the work reflects the curriculum being taught in school. Pupils participate in daily live lessons in reading and mathematics, alongside other educational activities, including assemblies.
The insights gained from this visit will contribute to Ofsted's national reporting, helping to inform future educational policies. The visit did not reveal any significant concerns regarding the school's operations during this challenging period. The leadership team's efforts to adapt the curriculum and support pupils' learning and well-being have been commendable, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining educational standards despite the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic. The information gathered will be shared with the government and the education sector to enhance understanding of how schools are navigating the complexities of the current educational landscape.
