Hardwick Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 February 2025

Pupils at this school are happy and well cared for. They thrive in a nurturing environment where they feel safe and valued. Staff know each pupil well. Pupils trust the adults in school to help them whenever they face concerns or worries. This warm, supportive environment ensures that pupils feel secure and confident as part of the school community. The school's 'care' values encourage pupils to try their best and enjoy their learning. The school sets high expectations of pupils' learning and behaviour. Pupils rise to these expectations. They are motivated and keen to learn. Pupils work hard in lessons and behave well. They are polite, courteous and keen to earn 'positive points' for their efforts. The school meticulously plans many rich and purposeful experiences to broaden pupils' horizons. These experiences include visits to the seaside, residentials and trips to places of worship. Pupils proudly take on responsibilities, such as school and sports councillors. They make a tangible difference to the school. The school meals committee had an important voice in deciding what should be on the dinner menu, as well as being vital taste testers. The sports committee plays a crucial role in shaping the school's extra- curricular offer.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of subjects, the activities that pupils undertake do not support them consistently to achieve the intended goals of the ambitious curriculum. Some pupils complete work that is not ambitious enough. When this occurs, pupils do not progress as well as they could through the curriculum. The school should ensure that staff devise ambitious learning activities that help pupils to achieve as well as they can.
• In the early years, routines are not consistently well established. Staff expectations of children are not always clear. This leads to some children becoming disengaged and opportunities for learning are lost. When this is the case, children's behaviour has an impact on others. The school should ensure that there is a shared understanding of routines and expectations in the early years. The school should make sure that this is implemented consistently so that all children learn how to work well together.

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