De Havilland Primary School, located in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on September 19 and 20, 2023, and assessed various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as good. The school is part of the Danes Educational Trust and is led by headteacher Sarah King, with oversight from CEO Josephine Valentine and a board of trustees chaired by Martin Day.
The school is characterized by a positive and inclusive atmosphere where pupils feel safe and valued. Students express pride in being part of the De Hav community and appreciate the diverse learning experiences offered. The school maintains high expectations for achievement, encouraging pupils to work diligently and aim for future success through initiatives like the Building Futures program. Clear behavior routines are established, and pupils across all year groups demonstrate good behavior, contributing to a calm and purposeful learning environment.
De Havilland Primary School has made significant strides in recent years, particularly in redesigning its curriculum to be broad and aspirational. The early years provision is particularly strong, with children in Nursery and Reception displaying confidence and enthusiasm for learning. The curriculum is designed to build knowledge over time, helping pupils to connect new information with what they already know. However, some subjects are still in the early stages of development, and improvements are needed to ensure that the curriculum content is well-planned and effectively taught.
Teachers at the school are knowledgeable and receive valuable training and support from the school and the trust. They employ various methods to assess pupil learning, including quizzes and engaging tasks that allow students to apply their knowledge. A strong emphasis is placed on communication and language development, especially for pupils whose first language is not English. The school promotes a reading culture, with daily phonics lessons and high-quality texts read to students to foster a love of reading.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are identified early and receive appropriate support, ensuring they can fully participate in school life and access the same curriculum as their peers. The school also emphasizes personal development, offering a range of extracurricular activities and teaching pupils about healthy lifestyles and positive relationships.
Despite the positive aspects, the school recognizes areas for improvement. In some subjects, the curriculum does not always build effectively on prior knowledge, which can hinder pupils' future learning. Additionally, there are inconsistencies in how staff support early reading, with missed opportunities for pupils to practice sounds and address misconceptions. The school aims to enhance training for staff to ensure all pupils receive the support they need to become fluent readers.
Overall, De Havilland Primary School has demonstrated a commitment to improvement and has garnered positive feedback from parents and staff. The school has successfully navigated challenges and is on a path of continued growth, with a focus on providing a high-quality education for all its pupils. The effective safeguarding arrangements further contribute to a safe and supportive learning environment, ensuring that the interests of pupils are prioritized.
