Haggonfields Primary and Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 January 2025

Pupils feel safe, happy and well cared for at this school. Most parents and carers speak highly of the school. Many appreciate how all staff go 'above and beyond' for pupils. Following several years of instability, the school is now settled with committed and determined leadership. Pupils respond well to increased expectations for their learning and behaviour. They have a secure understanding of what it means to follow the 'Haggonfields' Way'. Pupils' positive behaviour contributes to the school's calm, orderly and purposeful atmosphere. Pupils play well together at social times. They show kindness and respect for one another. The curriculum and broader opportunities for pupils increase their enjoyment of school. Older pupils learn independence on a residential visit to Whitby. Trips to venues such as the space centre enhance pupils' learning. Pupils enjoy football, multi-skills and art clubs. In music lessons, they are inspired to develop talents playing djembe drums and the ukulele. The school encourages pupils to aspire and be the best they can be. An ambitious and well-considered curriculum has been developed to make this possible. Pupils are inspired to believe in themselves. However, the curriculum improvements are not fully embedded yet. While pupils' achievement is improving, pupils are not yet able to excel in all they do.

What the school should improve

• The adaptations made for pupils with SEND are not consistently appropriate. Pupils with SEND do not increase their knowledge as well as they should. The school should ensure that staff have the expertise and resources to adapt the curriculum effectively for these pupils.
• The school has not ensured that pupils' writing skills are developed well over time. Pupils' knowledge and application of spelling, grammar and punctuation is insecure. This inhibits pupils from producing high-quality written work. The school should ensure that staff are supported to effectively teach the writing curriculum and address gaps in pupils' knowledge.
• Improvements in the curriculum for some subjects are relatively new and not fully embedded. There is still some variability in how effectively the curriculum is delivered. Pupils have not been able to acquire a deep understanding of some subjects over time. The school should ensure that staff are supported in developing subject-specific expertise to enable them to implement the curriculum effectively.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)