Hartford Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 May 2025

The school is a calm place. Pupils and adults respect each other. Pupils listen to their teachers and are enthusiastic about their lessons. They are happy and safe. Pupils follow the school's golden rules. These include being gentle, honest and showing good manners. Pupils demonstrate these qualities by being kind to each other and welcoming visitors. Pupils willingly take on leadership responsibilities. They elect representatives to the school and eco councils. This helps them to understand democracy and develop communication skills. These opportunities prepare them well for the future. The school has high aspirations of pupils. It wants them to achieve well and provides the support to ensure they do. It is successful in the attempt to widen their horizons. Pupils develop a deep understanding of French language and culture. They are knowledgeable about how to stay safe using the internet. Pupils benefit from the activities their teachers plan which help them learn and remember the curriculum. They benefit from the wide range of activities provided during breaktimes which help them to manage risks and keep healthy. Pupils typically behave well around the school and in classrooms. When pupils struggle to regulate their behaviour, staff provide effective support. Pupils know there is someone to talk to when they feel worried.

What the school should improve

• A few aspects of the school's assessment system are not as well developed as others. This results in the provision of work for a small number of pupils which repeats what is already well known. When this happens, pupils spend time in intervention groups and consequently miss other aspects of the curriculum. The school should ensure that teachers know what all pupils understand in all aspects of a subject so that pupils are always given work which best supports their learning.

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