Hartside Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 June 2022

Pupils mirror the school's 'character traits' in their daily behaviour. They know the importance of having empathy, showing kindness, respecting others and having the grit to keep going. One pupil said that 'traits help us to be our best selves'. Pupils prize each other's well-being. Some are chosen to be 'helping hearts' to comfort those who are upset or be a friend to those who need it. Pupils love school and speak of it being 'full of great people and great teachers'. They know that teachers expect them to always do their best - so they do. School is fun. Pupils recently competed in 'Hartside's Got Talent', with the winners declared after a pupil vote. Behaviour in school is good. Playtimes are exciting with lots of equipment to use. A trim trail is being installed for older pupils. Various designs were chosen by the 'outdoor play and learning' leaders and the final choice was voted on. Bullying is very rare. Teachers do not hesitate to sort out any misbehaviour. School is integral to its community. Many parents wrote positive comments about the school during the inspection, noting how safe and happy their children were. Pupils love being part of their house teams: Green Lantern, Iron, Spider and Wonder. They compete for attendance awards and in sports.

What the school should improve

• The school's curriculum is not yet sufficiently well planned and sequenced in some subjects. In these subjects, the key ideas that link substantive knowledge together lack clarity. Pupils are unable to connect learning or build on what they already know. Leaders must continue their work on curriculum structure so that pupils know more, can do more and remember more in every subject.

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