Hawthorn Community Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 September 2023

This is a welcoming and inclusive school. Relationships are warm and trusting. Pupils know that staff care about them. They say they feel happy and safe. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the school. As one parent, typical of many, said, 'Hawthorn is a fantastic school, and I am proud to be part of its community. The staff are friendly, present, approachable and supportive.' Pupils attend well. They get on well with one another. Most pupils respond well to the high expectations staff have of them. Instances of poor behaviour are rare. Pupils agree that staff deal with any poor behaviour well. Classrooms are busy and purposeful. Most pupils achieve well, particularly in reading. Pupils who need extra care or support receive it quickly. Staff encourage pupils to become responsible citizens. Pupils enjoy taking responsibility in a variety of leadership roles, such as the 'road safety heroes' or as ambassadors for pupils who speak English as an additional language (EAL). Pupils, including children in Reception, often visit a local care home to read and play games with the residents. Pupils say that they would like to take part in a broader range of regular clubs and activities.

What the school should improve

• The use of assessment is not fully developed across all subjects to ensure that all pupils develop their understanding fully and securely. Teachers do not always check for pupils' misconceptions. They do not consistently check to make sure that pupils have used all the knowledge they have gained to write fluent and detailed written responses. On occasion, teachers do not move pupils on to more challenging work when they are ready. As a result, some pupils do not develop or demonstrate their knowledge and understanding as fully as they might. Leaders should ensure that teachers know how best to help pupils to develop their understanding securely and achieve as well as they can, particularly in their written work.
• Pupils say that they would like a greater range of regular opportunities to join clubs and take part in activities. The lack of such opportunities means that many pupils miss out on developing their interests and talents which are supportive of their wider development and well-being. Leaders should ensure that the school's offer of extra-curricular clubs and activities for all pupils, especially those who are disadvantaged, has the necessary breadth in range to enable pupils to explore their interests and develop their skills fully.

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