Hedworthfield Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 May 2023

Hedworthfield is a friendly and welcoming primary school. Relationships between the pupils and staff are very positive. Everyone has high expectations of behaviour. Pupils are courteous and polite. Bullying is rare and is dealt with effectively if it happens. Pupils spoken to feel safe in school. Pupils love being with 'Shadow', the school dog. He contributes to pupils' well-being, acting as a comfort and confidante. Pupils also talk fondly about looking after the chickens and ducks in the school farm. Staff encourage pupils to talk about their feelings and concerns so that they can fully focus on their learning. Pupils blossom as they develop their self-confidence. Some pupils attend the on-site specially resourced provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff have a thorough understanding of the needs of all pupils, both in the resource base and throughout school. Leaders ensure there is an ambitious curriculum that promotes pride in the local area. There are many visits that widen pupils' experiences. The 'factory school', hosted by a major car manufacturer, helps to raise pupils' aspirations. The early years environment is vibrant and dynamic. Staff actively model language and encourage children to communicate well with each other. Children are eager to explore nature in the forest school.

What the school should improve

• Some pupils do not develop sufficient fluency in reading and/or read regularly for pleasure. These pupils are at a disadvantage compared to their peers who have developed a wider vocabulary and can draw on a range of books to compare texts. Leaders should ensure that all staff know how to develop pupils' fluency in reading and apply this knowledge. Leaders should continue to develop ways to encourage pupils to develop a love of reading.
• In some subjects, the pedagogical approach to delivering the curriculum does not engage some pupils in their learning. As a result, these pupils do not remember as much of the curriculum content in these areas. Leaders should review these areas of the curriculum and support teachers to use the most appropriate pedagogical approaches.

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