Hartest Church of England Primary School, located in Suffolk, has undergone a significant transformation since its previous inspection, moving from an inadequate rating to a good overall effectiveness rating. The inspection, conducted on March 5 and 6, 2024, highlighted the school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for its pupils. The executive headteacher, Amanda Woolmer, along with the leadership team, has effectively communicated with staff, parents, and the community, building trust and confidence in their ability to drive improvement.
Pupils at Hartest Primary School experience a close-knit community atmosphere, which contributes to their sense of safety and belonging. The staff's proactive approach to addressing issues ensures that pupils feel comfortable expressing themselves. This positive environment enhances their readiness to learn and engage with the curriculum. The school has established strong connections with the on-site pre-school, allowing for a smooth transition for younger pupils into the Reception Year. This collaboration has resulted in notable academic and personal progress, with younger pupils demonstrating enthusiasm for reading and older pupils articulating their learning effectively, particularly in subjects like geography.
The school benefits from generous support from local patrons, including the parish council, which has enriched the learning and play resources available to pupils. Outdoor facilities, such as the trim trail, are accessible beyond school hours, promoting physical activity and social interaction. The school also engages in cross-school activities with another primary institution, further enhancing the social development of its pupils. The leadership team prioritizes opportunities for pupils to socialize, fostering confidence and respect among them.
Despite the school's strengths, there are areas for improvement. The leadership team has shown resilience in navigating challenges, and their efforts have been recognized by staff who appreciate the support provided. The school has made significant strides in ensuring that pupils develop strong reading skills, with effective phonics instruction in place for younger children and regular reading practice for older pupils. However, some staff members are still adapting to new training on assessing pupil understanding, which occasionally leads to missed opportunities for addressing mistakes promptly.
The school’s curriculum is well-structured, detailing the knowledge and skills pupils should acquire across subjects. This clarity aids teachers in delivering effective lessons, resulting in good pupil achievement. Adjustments have been made to support pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers. Nevertheless, there is a need for ongoing professional development to enhance staff's ability to use observations and questioning techniques effectively.
Attendance remains a concern, particularly among disadvantaged pupils, who experience higher rates of persistent absence. This issue can lead to gaps in knowledge and hinder their overall well-being. The school has established clear procedures to support families and address attendance issues, but further action is necessary to improve this situation.
The personal development program at Hartest Primary School is robust, offering a range of extracurricular activities that promote creativity and physical skills. Clubs such as band academy, gardening, and multi-skills sports provide pupils with opportunities to explore their interests outside the classroom. The school’s values are integrated into daily life, encouraging pupils to treat each other with kindness and respect.
In summary, Hartest Church of England Primary School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, demonstrating a commitment to providing a high-quality education in a supportive environment. While there are areas that require attention, particularly regarding attendance and staff training, the overall effectiveness of the school is good, reflecting the hard work of the leadership team and the dedication of the staff.
