Hague Bar Primary School, located in Lower Hague, New Mills, Derbyshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 7, 2023. The school is characterized by a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, fostering a family-like environment where pupils feel happy and safe. Students exhibit politeness and respect, with a strong belief that bullying is not an issue. The playground is described as lively and friendly, with older pupils taking care of younger ones, contributing to a positive social environment.
The staff at Hague Bar Primary School maintain high expectations for pupil behavior and learning attitudes. Positive relationships are evident throughout the school, including with students who have special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers effectively tailor activities for the three mixed-age classes, ensuring that pupils remain engaged and productive. While some students may occasionally become overexcited, staff are quick to manage these situations, maintaining a focused learning environment.
Pupils benefit from a variety of educational trips and visitors, enhancing their learning experiences. The school offers numerous clubs and activities, including opportunities to learn musical instruments. Students appreciate taking on responsibilities, such as serving as librarians or school ambassadors. Parents express positive sentiments about the school, often describing it as a nurturing second family.
Despite the school's strengths, there are areas for improvement. Recent changes in leadership and staffing have prompted efforts to build a strong team. Staff have been given opportunities to develop their skills, but subject leaders are still in the early stages of assessing the curriculum's impact on pupil learning. Limited opportunities for monitoring their subjects hinder their ability to evaluate and improve their areas of responsibility effectively.
The school has implemented an ambitious curriculum aligned with national standards, identifying key information for teachers to deliver. Pupils are encouraged to make connections between new and prior knowledge, which aids retention, particularly for those with special educational needs. Mathematics instruction is strong, with regular assessments and opportunities for pupils to recap their learning, leading to a solid understanding of mathematical concepts.
Reading instruction is prioritized, with a structured phonics program in place from early years onward. Staff are well-trained to deliver this program, ensuring pupils read books that correspond to their phonetic knowledge. Regular checks on pupil progress help identify those needing additional support, fostering a culture of confident and enthusiastic readers.
Leaders have identified essential knowledge for pupils to learn across subjects and year groups, with recent reviews of the history curriculum. However, they are still developing methods to measure the impact of these changes on pupil knowledge retention. Teachers create engaging and creative units of work, such as a recent visit to a local museum that deepened pupils' understanding of Roman society.
The school ensures that pupils with special educational needs have access to the full curriculum, with tailored support that meets their individual needs. Pupils participate in various off-site activities, contributing to local and global causes while learning about safety, respect, and diversity. The governing body collaborates effectively with school leaders, understanding their responsibilities and supporting staff well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at Hague Bar Primary School are effective, with a strong culture of safety. Leaders follow proper procedures for staff appointments and maintain comprehensive records of concerns. The curriculum includes opportunities for pupils to learn about safety, both online and offline, ensuring they know how to seek help if needed.
To enhance the school's effectiveness, leaders must focus on monitoring the implementation and impact of the curriculum to ensure pupils are gaining and retaining knowledge over time.
