Hemington Primary School, located in Hemington, Radstock, Somerset, has recently undergone an inspection on June 5 and 6, 2024, and has been rated as good overall. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to providing quality education, with all key areas including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management also rated as good. Notably, the early years provision has been recognized as outstanding, reflecting the school's dedication to fostering a positive learning environment for its youngest learners.
Under the leadership of executive headteacher Alun Randell, Hemington Primary School is part of The Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership. This partnership structure allows for shared responsibility in the governance and management of the school, overseen by chief executive officer Alun Williams and a board of trustees chaired by Tony Wells. The school has established a welcoming atmosphere that is central to the community, where strong relationships are built among pupils and staff. The school’s values promote kindness, fairness, respect, and ambition, which pupils understand and embody in their daily interactions.
The early years program at Hemington is particularly commendable, providing children with an excellent start to their education. Children develop independence, resilience, and positive learning behaviors, allowing them to concentrate on tasks for extended periods. The vibrant learning environment encourages interaction and collaboration among children, fostering confidence from an early age. Pupils across the school exhibit respect and care for one another, with older students serving as role models for younger peers. The school culture is described by pupils as loving and welcoming, with a strong emphasis on tolerance and understanding of individual differences.
The curriculum at Hemington Primary School is ambitious and well-sequenced, enabling pupils to build on their prior knowledge as they progress through their education. The school has made significant strides in addressing areas for improvement identified in previous inspections, and pupils are eager to learn. The curriculum effectively links subjects, enhancing the learning experience. For instance, in history lessons about the Great Fire of London, pupils also engage in geography by using grid references to plot key locations, thereby developing their mapping skills.
Despite these strengths, the school recognizes the need for further refinement in the curriculum, particularly in foundation subjects. There is a need to clarify the specific knowledge that pupils should retain over time, as assessment practices in some subjects are not yet effective in gauging pupil understanding. This has resulted in some pupils not fully developing their knowledge in these areas. Reading is prioritized, with a strong emphasis on developing a love for literature from the early years through engaging activities and tailored support.
Pupils demonstrate high standards of behavior, working diligently and exhibiting politeness and good manners. The school environment is calm and purposeful, with inclusive social interactions among pupils from different year groups. Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is robust, ensuring that their needs are identified and addressed promptly, allowing them to progress alongside their peers.
The school’s values also play a crucial role in promoting personal development, with pupils showing compassion and respect for others. They articulate their understanding of British values and their relevance to their lives. Pastoral support is strong, with staff well-acquainted with pupils and their families, fostering a sense of security and trust.
Overall, Hemington Primary School has made significant improvements since its last inspection, with effective leadership and a collaborative approach among staff and governors. Parents express positive sentiments about the school, reflecting a strong community connection. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is on a promising trajectory, with clear priorities for further development in curriculum implementation and assessment practices.
