Great Hockham Primary School and Nursery, located in Norfolk, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 23, 2021. The school fosters a welcoming and friendly environment where pupils are polite and take pride in their school. They engage enthusiastically in their learning and communicate confidently with visitors about their work. Most students exhibit good behavior during lessons and enjoy positive interactions during break times. The school emphasizes the importance of being ready, respectful, and safe, and pupils can articulate how they are taught to stay safe and respect individual differences.
In the early years, children thrive in their learning experiences, quickly adapting to established routines and developing confidence in early reading skills. Older pupils particularly enjoy independent reading time and appreciate the stories shared by their teachers at the end of the school day. The school provides opportunities for pupils to act as role models, such as serving as ambassadors and subject champions. After-school clubs, including sports and various activities, are well-attended and valued by the students. The school effectively supports pupils and nursery children as they progress through different educational stages.
The school is recognized for its warm and inclusive community. Leaders, in collaboration with the trust, have made continuous improvements to the quality of education, raising aspirations for what pupils can achieve. They have carefully examined the curriculum across subjects, ensuring that content is taught in a logical order and revisited to aid retention. Staff focus on enhancing pupils' vocabulary, with early years children using mathematical terms accurately when discussing shapes.
While the curriculum in subjects like history and design technology has been revised, there is still work to be done to ensure consistent delivery across all classes. Leaders are actively working to strengthen the implementation of the curriculum and improve assessment processes in these areas. In the early years, children receive a solid foundation in reading, with staff consistently following a common approach to introducing new sounds, enabling children to build knowledge effectively.
Promoting a love of reading is a high priority, with the library being restocked with engaging books. Daily quiet reading opportunities are enjoyed by pupils, and parents receive guidance to support their children's reading at home. Regular checks are conducted to ensure pupils grasp essential knowledge, with interventions in place for those struggling with spelling.
Pupils with special educational needs have access to the same curriculum as their peers, supported by targeted training for teachers. The school maintains clear expectations for behavior, and pupils know they can seek help from trusted adults. Leaders prioritize personal development alongside academic achievement, offering a variety of after-school clubs and activities that are popular among students.
The personal development curriculum teaches pupils about mental health, well-being, safety, and healthy relationships, promoting respect for individual differences. Staff express pride in their work and appreciate the support from leaders regarding their well-being and professional development. Parents overwhelmingly recommend the school, and governors actively monitor educational quality, holding leaders accountable for performance.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance among staff. Leaders ensure that all necessary checks are made when appointing staff, and pupils are educated on safety and respect. While the school has a solid foundation, there is a need for ongoing development in certain subjects to enhance curriculum delivery and assessment processes, ensuring all pupils achieve their potential.
