Harthill Primary School, located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, underwent its first inspection under the Education Act 2005 on 22 and 23 October 2024. The school is part of the James Montgomery Academy Trust, with Sarah Littlewood serving as the headteacher and David Silvester as the CEO. The inspection results indicate that the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management are all rated as good, while early years provision is rated as outstanding.
The school emphasizes values such as belonging, ambition, resilience, and kindness, fostering a supportive environment where pupils feel valued and safe. This positive atmosphere contributes to high levels of pupil engagement and achievement. Staff maintain high expectations, and the majority of pupils perform well academically. The school promotes kindness and politeness among pupils, who demonstrate a clear understanding of behaviour expectations and acceptance of diversity.
Harthill Primary School encourages pupils to engage actively with the community, with initiatives such as the school choir participating in local events. The school prioritizes personal development, offering leadership opportunities through roles in assemblies, clubs, and charity fundraising. The school council has successfully advocated for community safety measures, showcasing pupils' contributions to school life.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, designed to cater to mixed-age classes and build knowledge progressively. Staff possess secure subject knowledge, and the curriculum is generally well-taught, enabling pupils to acquire essential skills. However, there are instances where tasks do not allow for deep application of learning, particularly in the wider curriculum compared to core subjects like English. Some lessons lack sufficient checks on pupil understanding, hindering consistent learning development.
Pupils are encouraged to read widely and enjoy discussing literature. The school has implemented effective phonics instruction, ensuring that reading materials align with pupils' knowledge. The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, identifying their needs promptly and ensuring staff are equipped to assist them effectively.
In the early years, children thrive in a stimulating environment that promotes curiosity and independence. The curriculum is engaging, with activities designed to develop essential skills. Strong partnerships with parents enhance children's development, ensuring a collaborative approach to learning.
Attendance rates are in line with national figures, and the school has established effective systems to monitor and improve attendance among different pupil groups. Staff receive ongoing training in behaviour management, fostering consistency in addressing behaviour incidents. The school has a well-structured reward system that motivates pupils to uphold school values.
Leaders at all levels demonstrate a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, creating ambitious opportunities for pupils. However, there is a need for improved monitoring of the wider curriculum to ensure all pupils learn as intended. The school environment supports staff development, with attention to well-being and workload, contributing to a positive workplace culture.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The school is encouraged to enhance the depth of learning in the wider curriculum and improve the use of assessment to better track pupil progress. Overall, Harthill Primary School provides a supportive and enriching educational experience, with areas identified for further development to enhance pupil learning outcomes.
