Hockering Church of England Primary Academy, located in Norfolk, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its strengths and areas for improvement. The school is led by headteacher Rebecca Newman, who also serves as the executive headteacher of the Eden Federation, which includes four schools. The inspection took place on November 5 and 6, 2024, and the school received a Good rating across all key areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. This reflects a consistent performance since the previous inspection in February 2019.
Pupils at Hockering are described as settled, happy, and safe, with parents expressing satisfaction with the school's strong sense of community. The school provides a variety of engaging opportunities, such as karate sessions led by a black belt instructor, which contribute to a well-rounded physical education program. The benefits of being part of a wider federation are evident, as high expectations for learning have been established across the schools, leading to effective reading instruction supported by well-trained staff.
Personalized support is a key feature of the school's approach, ensuring that pupils who need additional help can catch up and close gaps in their knowledge. This individualized attention is particularly beneficial for students with special educational needs and disabilities, allowing them to access the same curriculum as their peers. The school emphasizes the importance of social skills and respect among pupils, reinforced through assemblies that focus on themes like kindness.
The collaboration between the school, federation, and trust has resulted in high-quality training for staff, enabling them to develop a broad and ambitious curriculum. Teachers are knowledgeable about their subjects and effectively check pupils' understanding to ensure they secure the intended knowledge. However, the school has identified a need to improve its approach to teaching grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as inconsistencies in this area have affected the quality of some pupils' writing.
Behaviour expectations are clearly communicated, and pupils generally adhere to these standards, demonstrating kindness and respect towards one another. The school has invested time in fostering a positive environment, which is reflected in pupils' good attendance and engagement. Personal development is also prioritized, with tailored support for social and emotional needs, including play therapy for those requiring additional assistance.
Governance is strong, with trustees and governors actively involved in the school's development priorities. The trust has focused on enhancing special educational needs provision and supporting staff well-being, which has positively impacted the school environment. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare is prioritized.
While the school has many strengths, it recognizes the need to establish a more consistent approach to teaching grammar, punctuation, and spelling across all classes. This will help ensure that all pupils can apply their knowledge effectively in their writing. Overall, Hockering Church of England Primary Academy is a supportive and nurturing environment where pupils thrive academically and personally, with a commitment to continuous improvement in teaching practices.
