Hope Hamilton CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 November 2022

Pupils come from a diverse range of communities, backgrounds and families. Staff welcome them all. Pupils feel valued, happy and safe in this inclusive school. Pupils behave well and enjoy their learning. They understand the clear expectations set out in three simple school rules, 'Ready, Respectful, Safe'. Incidents of bullying are very rare. Some pupils are peer mediators. They are trained to help if there is an argument. They involve adults if they need to. Pupils say that teachers deal with any poor behaviour quickly. School leaders have been clear that the school values must be about 'what we do rather than what we say'. Pupils demonstrate values such as resilience, curiosity and respect. During the inspection, some pupils discussed poppies and how they represent a celebration of peace. There is a range of activities to promote pupils' talents and interests. Pupils attend clubs and enjoy the 'university' sessions on Fridays when additional experiences are planned. Almost all parents and carers appreciate what staff do to support their children. Parents would recommend the school. One parent captured the common view by saying, 'The staff seem like a strong group working together towards a common goal.'

What the school should improve

• When teachers follow the planned curriculum closely, pupils build on knowledge and skills learned previously and achieve success in increasingly complex tasks. Teachers sometimes adapt the curriculum and introduce activities that are not helpful to pupils' learning. These changes sometimes disrupt the integrity of content choice, the sequence of learning and the equity of access for all pupils. Leaders should ensure that teachers follow the planned curriculum closely in all subjects, making choices of activity that are in the best interests of pupils' learning.

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