Hawthorn Community Primary School, located in Kettering, Northamptonshire, underwent an inspection on September 12 and 13, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting a positive educational environment. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all assessed as good. This was the first inspection under section five of the Education Act 2005, as the school had not been previously inspected.
The headteacher, Emma Jacox, leads the school, which is part of the Pathfinder Schools multi-academy trust. The trust is overseen by a board of trustees, chaired by Lisa Pruden, and the chief executive officer is Emma Sims. The school is characterized by a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where relationships between staff and pupils are warm and trusting. Pupils express that they feel happy and safe, and parents and carers have overwhelmingly positive views about the school community.
Attendance rates are high, and pupils generally get along well with one another. The school maintains high expectations for behavior, and instances of poor behavior are rare. Staff effectively manage any issues that arise, contributing to a busy and purposeful classroom environment. Most pupils achieve well, particularly in reading, and those requiring additional support receive it promptly.
The school promotes responsible citizenship among pupils, who enjoy taking on leadership roles, such as road safety heroes and ambassadors for peers who speak English as an additional language. Engagement with the local community is encouraged, with pupils visiting a nearby care home to read and play games with residents. However, pupils have expressed a desire for a broader range of clubs and activities to enhance their school experience.
Leadership at all levels demonstrates a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. Staff morale is high, and there is a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education through an ambitious curriculum. The curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils build their knowledge and skills progressively from Reception to Year Six. Teachers are clear about what is taught and when, and they value opportunities for professional development.
The early years provision is effective, with children in Reception making a positive start to their education. The learning environment is stimulating, and children engage in well-planned activities with staff who provide high-quality interactions. A culture of reading is fostered throughout the school, with pupils enjoying selecting books and participating in enthusiastic storytime sessions.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require attention. Standards in writing across key stages one and two are not consistently high, particularly in foundation subjects. Leaders recognize the need to enhance pupils' confidence in applying their knowledge to extended writing tasks. New approaches to promote writing have been introduced but are still in the early stages of implementation.
Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and effectively question pupils about their learning. However, there are instances where misconceptions are not addressed, and some pupils are not moved on to more challenging tasks quickly enough. This can hinder their potential for achievement. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well supported, and additional adults play a crucial role in ensuring they access the same curriculum as their peers.
Overall, the school promotes pupils' personal development and well-being effectively, instilling a strong moral compass and respect for others. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is encouraged to further develop assessment practices across all subjects to enhance pupils' understanding and written work. Additionally, expanding the range of extracurricular activities would support pupils' broader development and well-being.
