Hallcroft Infant and Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 March 2026

This is a small school with a big family feel. It puts pupils first. It knows them well and understands what motivates them. It is a welcoming, safe place where pupils learn well. Pupils love their school. They describe it as friendly and happy. They enjoy lessons, are eager to learn and hold their teachers in high regard. Teachers know pupils well and understand the challenges they face. As a result, barriers to learning are addressed successfully and pupils enjoy learning. Pupils achieve well from their starting points. This is especially evident in phonics and handwriting, where the school has secured significant improvements. The proportion achieving the expected standard in phonics has risen steadily over the last three years and is now above the national figure. Current pupils are well placed to sustain this trend. Pupils understand the school’s values. They know why ‘caring, learning, growing and succeeding’ matter. When discussing these, pupils described ‘growing’ as trying new things and being brave. They have many enrichment experiences that allow them to do this. They know that attending school is important. Attendance rates are high. The school’s behaviour policy works well. Behaviour is exemplary. The ‘golden rules’ help pupils understand what is expected of them. They are eager to move through the colours and into the silver and gold cups of the school's reward system. A prize from the golden box is seen as a significant achievement. Pupils are clear about the consequences of poor behaviour, including bullying, but say this is rare. Records confirm this. Pupils who need help to meet expectations receive well-tailored, effective support. All pupils are kept safe. Pupils are prepared well for life beyond school. They have a strong understanding of fundamental British values and the protected characteristics. As one pupil said, reflecting the views of many, ‘Everyone gets to have a say and can be who they want to be.’

What the school should improve

• The school should ensure that, in all subjects and in the early years, the curriculum consistently sets out the precise content pupils are expected to know and remember.
• Leaders should put in place mechanisms that allow them to evaluate the long-term impact of their work so that they can identify successes and areas for improvement.
• Governors should consider how the school will sustain its success over time and plan for how potential changes in key leadership roles would be managed.

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