Camps Hill Primary School, located in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, has recently undergone an inspection on April 16 and 17, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, with similar ratings in the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. However, the early years provision has been assessed as requiring improvement. The headteacher, Emma Flawn, leads the school, which is part of The Claxton Trust, overseen by CEO Robert Staples and a board of trustees chaired by Claire Kemp.
The school fosters a positive learning environment where pupils are encouraged to work hard and engage in interesting lessons. Students express enjoyment in their learning experiences, although it has been noted that children in the early years need additional support to reach their full potential. Pupils feel safe and happy at the school, confident that staff will assist them with any issues they may encounter. Behaviour is commendable, with a calm atmosphere throughout the school, and pupils understand the expectations set for them. They respect the school's rules and maintain polite interactions, even when disagreements arise.
Camps Hill Primary School offers a variety of activities that promote healthy living and personal development. Initiatives such as eat to defeat encourage healthy eating habits, and a range of after-school clubs are available for students. The curriculum has seen positive changes since the last inspection, with a focus on ambitious goals and consistent implementation by staff. Reading is prioritized, with a well-structured phonics curriculum that enables pupils to learn essential sounds quickly. Staff training ensures effective phonics teaching, and additional support is provided for those who struggle with reading.
While the school excels in many areas, there are challenges in some foundation subjects where assessments of pupils' learning are not fully aligned with the updated curriculum. This misalignment can hinder staff's understanding of pupils' grasp of broader concepts, limiting their potential achievements. In early years, while reading and mathematics are taught effectively, other subjects lack clarity in what children need to learn, leading to knowledge gaps. Some staff also require further training to enhance their teaching strategies in early years education.
Leaders at the school maintain high expectations for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that the curriculum is adapted to meet individual needs. Most pupils with SEND make good progress. The school has a well-structured approach to personal development, integrating real-life skills into the curriculum, such as first aid and road safety education.
Governors demonstrate a strong understanding of their responsibilities and have taken effective actions to support the school’s progress since the last inspection. They work collaboratively with school leaders to implement a strategic plan for continued improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements at Camps Hill Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, to enhance the early years curriculum, leaders must ensure that it includes all necessary subject-specific knowledge to prepare children adequately for their next steps in learning. Additionally, tailored training for early years staff is essential to improve their pedagogical knowledge and teaching effectiveness. Overall, while the school has made significant strides, ongoing efforts are needed to address the identified areas for improvement.
