Ashby Hastings Primary School

Ashby Hastings Primary School, located in Ashby-De-La-Zouch, has recently undergone an inspection on June 11 and 12, 2024, and has been rated as good in all areas of its operation. The school is led by headteacher Rachel Mckeown and is part of the Symphony Learning Trust, which provides additional governance and support. The trust is overseen by CEO Tim Sutcliffe and a board of trustees chaired by Nigel Harrison.

The school is characterized by a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where students feel valued and supported. The community ethos is strong, and pupils take pride in their school, enjoying positive relationships with both their teachers and peers. Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction with the school, noting the dedication of the staff and the friendships their children form. One parent highlighted their appreciation by stating they would recommend the school a million times over, feeling privileged to be part of the community.

Pupils at Ashby Hastings are encouraged to take on roles and responsibilities, which fosters a sense of ownership and engagement in their learning environment. The school has implemented a system called the Ashby Hastings job centre, where students can apply for various roles, such as classroom greeters and house point leaders. This initiative not only promotes leadership skills but also enhances the sense of community within the school. The school’s rules, which emphasize safety, kindness, and personal best, are well understood by the students and were inspired by a shared reading experience that focused on social cohesion.

The quality of education provided is good, with a well-structured curriculum that prepares pupils for their future learning stages. The school has thoughtfully designed its curriculum to ensure that all pupils, including those in mixed-age classes, receive an ambitious education. This is particularly evident in subjects like mathematics, where the school has successfully implemented strategies to support learning. However, there are instances where the activities assigned to pupils do not align perfectly with the planned curriculum, which can slow down learning. The school is actively working to address this by ensuring consistent implementation of the curriculum across all subjects.

Reading is a significant focus at Ashby Hastings, with opportunities for pupils to engage with literature throughout the curriculum. Students enjoy discussing books they have read and participating in reading activities with their parents, who are invited to be reading buddies. The early reading program is effective, enabling most pupils to develop strong reading skills, with additional support provided for those who struggle.

The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Teachers are trained to break down learning into manageable steps, ensuring that all pupils can access the curriculum. The school environment is adapted as needed to facilitate learning for these students, and they are included in all school activities.

In the early years, children are encouraged to develop independence and confidence as they learn routines and access resources. The curriculum prioritizes communication and language development, which has positively impacted children's readiness for Year 1. The school has also made efforts to promote good attendance and punctuality among families, recognizing the importance of consistent school attendance for student success.

Pupils demonstrate a strong understanding of equity and fairness, learning about diverse groups in society and the importance of respect. They are taught emotional regulation skills, which help them to be ready to learn and support their mental health. The school fosters a culture where pupils feel comfortable sharing any concerns they may have.

The governance of the school is effective, with trustees and governors using their knowledge to provide both support and challenge to the school leadership. Staff report feeling trusted and respected, contributing to high morale within the school community. The arrangements for safeguarding are robust, ensuring that pupils are safe and well cared for.

Overall, Ashby Hastings Primary School is a good school that provides a supportive and engaging learning environment for its pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement and is focused on ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.