Hawkchurch Church of England School was inspected on 5 June 2019, and the findings indicate that the school continues to provide a good quality of education. The leadership team has effectively maintained the standards established during the previous inspection in November 2015. Since Mrs. Jayne Vanstone's appointment as headteacher in September 2018, there has been a strong commitment to excellence, supported by the academy trust, which offers high-quality assistance and rigorous challenge. This collaboration has allowed teachers to share effective practices and engage in professional development, contributing to the school's ongoing improvements.
The school environment is described as friendly and welcoming, fostering respect and consideration among all members of the school community. Positive relationships between pupils and staff promote high standards and enjoyment in learning. Parents express satisfaction with the school, highlighting the care and attention their children receive. The atmosphere created by the leadership, staff, and governors is conducive to learning, with bright and attractive classrooms showcasing pupils' work. Pupils report that teachers plan engaging lessons, which enhances their enthusiasm for learning.
In response to recent challenges in mathematics, new strategies have been implemented to improve teaching and learning. These strategies are helping pupils to build their numerical knowledge effectively, with an increasing number of pupils achieving appropriate or better outcomes this year. However, there is a need for more opportunities for pupils to explain their reasoning and methods to deepen their understanding further.
In reading, the school has made changes to the curriculum to enhance teaching practices. The focus on phonics has yielded notable success, particularly among Year 1 pupils, who are making strong progress. High-quality texts are provided to stimulate interest and expand vocabulary. Nevertheless, there is recognition that further work is needed to fully develop pupils' comprehension skills.
The leadership team demonstrates a thorough understanding of the school and its pupils. They closely monitor achievement and maintain high expectations for all students, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs. The targeted support provided has led to stronger progress for these pupils.
Safeguarding practices are effective, with a strong emphasis on creating a culture of vigilance. Regular checks and training ensure that staff are well-equipped to keep pupils safe. The school works closely with local agencies to support vulnerable pupils, and attendance rates are improving due to proactive measures taken by the leadership.
Pupils feel safe and secure in school, exhibiting good behavior in lessons and around the premises. Older pupils take on responsibilities, contributing to a positive school environment. The inspection highlighted the need for continued development in mathematics and reading, particularly in enhancing reasoning skills and comprehension.
In summary, the school is performing well, with effective leadership and a dedicated staff committed to continuous improvement. The next steps involve further developing pupils' reasoning skills in mathematics and enhancing their understanding of complex language in reading. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address the identified areas for improvement.
