Hartwell Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 October 2022

Hartwell is a warm and welcoming village school. Pupils are friendly, courteous and respectful towards each other. They see the importance of good manners. As one pupil told inspectors: 'It's just simple things, like looking at someone when they're talking, holding doors open and remembering to say “please” and “thank you”. It's important here.' Pupils feel happy and safe in their surroundings. They trust all adults in the school to help them sort out any problems they might have. Pupils know that behaviour at their school is good. They told inspectors that bullying is not tolerated and does not happen. Pupils are very proud of their school library. The 'library guardians' keep the shelves organised. They also run book clubs for others to enjoy. One pupil, typical of many, commented: 'I love the library - there's such a variety of books. I just love reading in there!' Staff have high expectations of pupils. Leaders make sure that pupils build a wide vocabulary. Teachers discuss new words with pupils in all lessons. As a result, pupils express themselves confidently and clearly. Most parents and carers are positive about Hartwell. However, some say that the school needs to communicate with them more often and in good time.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, pupils do not remember what they have been taught in sufficient detail. This is particularly the case for things that they learned in previous years. Leaders should refine their curriculum thinking so that all subject plans are clear about the most important knowledge and skills that pupils need to remember. Teachers must then build on prior learning consistently and systematically in all subjects, and in all classes, so that pupils make connections between what they are doing now and what they have done before.
• The pupils at Hartwell are polite, welcoming and respectful towards others. However, they lack knowledge of the British values and the protected characteristics. This means they are not as prepared as they need to be for life in modern Britain. Leaders need to consider their approach to personal development so that pupils develop an age-appropriate understanding of British values and equality.

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