Hillside Primary and Nursery School in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, received a positive inspection report, reflecting its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on May 17 and 18, 2022, and the school has maintained this grade since its previous inspection in 2016. The leadership team is ambitious for its pupils, aiming for them to develop both academically and personally, fostering an environment where they can become the best versions of themselves.
Pupils express happiness in their school environment, demonstrating a clear understanding of the school's values, known as the Hillside Habits, which emphasize kindness, readiness, and wisdom. Their behavior in lessons is commendable, as they engage actively, support one another, and listen attentively to their teachers. The school prioritizes safety, with pupils aware of whom to approach if they have concerns, such as bullying.
The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to participate in various clubs and performance opportunities, including a choir that performs for large audiences. Leadership encourages pupils to take on responsibilities, such as voting for school council representatives, which fosters a sense of belonging and value in their opinions. The school community, including staff, parents, and governors, takes pride in the nurturing learning environment established by the leaders.
The curriculum at Hillside is well-structured and ambitious, designed to broaden pupils' horizons and enhance their communication skills. From nursery through Year 6, the curriculum outlines the essential knowledge pupils need to acquire. Teachers effectively check pupils' retention of previously taught material, ensuring that lessons build on prior knowledge. For instance, in a Year 5 English lesson, pupils successfully incorporated previously learned concepts into their writing tasks.
Subject leaders are knowledgeable and provide strong support to their colleagues, ensuring that the curriculum is delivered effectively. The needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are identified, and their learning is tailored to allow them to engage with the same curriculum as their peers. However, there are concerns regarding the emotional needs of some SEND pupils, as not all staff consistently address these needs, leading to frustration for some students.
Reading instruction is prioritized, with phonics taught from nursery age. The structured approach to phonics helps most pupils read confidently by Year 2. Teachers promote a love of reading through dedicated sessions where they read high-quality literature to pupils, enhancing their comprehension and vocabulary.
While behavior is generally good during lessons, there are challenges during playtimes and lunchtimes, where some pupils struggle to manage their feelings and behavior. The school leadership recognizes the need to extend the high behavioral expectations from the classroom to these less structured times.
The Flying High Trust provides valuable support and challenge to the school's leadership, contributing to its success. Governors are well-informed about the school and have identified appropriate priorities for improvement. The school community is optimistic about future developments and is committed to continuous improvement.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to identify and report concerns. Pupils are educated on safety in various contexts, including online safety and healthy relationships. They know whom to approach if they feel worried, ensuring a supportive environment.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school must ensure that the wider needs of pupils with SEND are consistently met and that behavioral expectations are upheld during all school activities. By addressing these areas, Hillside Primary and Nursery School can continue to foster a positive and enriching educational experience for all its pupils.
