Hawkedale Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 29 March 2022

Hawkedale pupils stand out. Their conduct and manners are impeccable. They are cheery and cordial in their exchanges with everyone. Parents are delighted with how the school nurtures their children. Staff care deeply about the pupils and the school feels like a family. The long-established headteacher sets the tone. She makes clear to everyone what is expected. Generally, teachers rise to this, but some could stretch pupils even more. Everyone comments on pupils' excellent behaviour. Pupils treat others with kindness and nobody tolerates any bullying. Pupils feel safe and at ease. Children of all ages come together so well. They play imaginatively outside. They enjoy using the scrap materials available to be inventive and creative. Caring for the chickens is a highlight. Pupils love to stay fit by tracking how many steps they do. Their sports day is even held at a premiership rugby club's training ground. Pupils revel in exquisite experiences that build character. They learn about inspirational people from all walks of life. Pupils recognise that they have the capacity to bring about change. They strive to make a difference. Leaders feel proud of their Year 6 'birds who have flown' to do this at secondary school.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have not yet set out all the knowledge that pupils need to learn in some subjects. Therefore, teachers are sometimes unsure about what must be taught when and why. However, it is clear from leaders' actions that they are in the process of bringing about the necessary changes. For this reason, the transition arrangements have been applied.
• Teachers do not all have strong pedagogical knowledge to deliver all subjects well. Furthermore, they do not always expect enough from pupils. This can hamper pupils' successful learning. Leaders need to strengthen teachers' expertise in how to implement the planned curriculum successfully.

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