Hoyle Court Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 July 2022

Hoyle Court Primary is a welcoming school. Pupils are polite and well mannered. Staff know the pupils very well and have high expectations for them. Leaders have recently introduced a new behaviour policy with clear rewards and sanctions. This has resulted in a significant improvement in pupils' behaviour. Pupils are rightly proud of these improvements. However, a few pupils sometimes lose focus when teachers or other pupils are talking. Leaders' records show that there are some recorded incidents of bullying. It is clear that leaders have acted quickly to address these incidents and pupils are confident that bullying does not happen in their school. Leaders have a strong commitment to supporting pupils' mental health and well- being. Pupils learn to identify and manage their emotions. Teachers understand how to support pupils when they are feeling anxious. Leaders ensure that teachers use this understanding to support pupils successfully as they move on to the next stage in their learning. Leaders have a strong commitment to providing wider experiences for pupils. Pupils attend residential visits and educational trips linked to curriculum topics. This enriches pupils' learning. Leaders provide a range of after-school clubs for pupils to attend. Leaders make sure that all pupils have equal opportunities to take part.

What the school should improve

• In some foundation subjects, leaders have not planned in enough detail the important knowledge that pupils should be taught and how this links with prior and subsequent learning. This means that teachers are not always clear about what to teach and when. Leaders should ensure that curriculum plans are well designed and sequenced in every subject. A more consistent and effective approach to assessment across all subjects should be established. Leaders should monitor the implementation and impact of all curriculum plans.
• There are instances where some pupils do not maintain focus in lessons. When this happens, teachers do not consistently manage this. This can negatively impact on the learning of pupils and can waste valuable lesson time. Leaders need to ensure that staff are well equipped to help pupils maintain their attention.
• Leaders do not ensure that teachers are making the most effective use of support staff. This means that in some lessons pupils do not benefit from the additional learning support these staff can provide. Leaders should review the deployment of all support staff to ensure their skills and knowledge are contributing consistently well to the needs of pupils in all lessons.

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