Hutchinson Memorial CofE First School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 May 2024

Hutchinson Memorial is a school where everyone is welcome. Positive relationships between staff and pupils, supported by the school's values, underpin the school's work. Pupils value the 'kindness that lives within the school', which makes them feel safe. In lessons, pupils listen well and focus on their work most of the time. There is a relaxed atmosphere around the school. Pupils enjoy being with their friends and they are kind to each other. At breaktimes, pupils enjoy playing a range of games organised by the sports coach. The school has high expectations for pupils and wants every individual to reach their full potential. It has started to take action to improve the quality of education that pupils receive. However, plans are in the early stages of development and have been impacted by turbulence in staffing. A significant proportion of parents and carers raised concerns about some aspects of the school's work. They are worried about the impact that staff absence has on their children's well-being and education. Nonetheless, parents value the support that the staff are providing to their children.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, the curriculum from Year 1 onwards does not build on what pupils have learned in the early years. Consequently, pupils' learning is disjointed and gaps in pupils' knowledge appear. In these subjects, the school should develop a well-sequenced curriculum that maps out the knowledge, skills and vocabulary that pupils will learn within and across year groups.
• In some subjects, the curriculum is not taught consistently well. As a result, pupils are not learning the intended curriculum as well as they should. The school should provide teachers with the necessary support so they can deliver the curriculum consistently well across all subjects.
• The school is not making effective checks on how well the curriculum is being implemented. This means that leaders are not always aware of what is working well and where improvements may be required. The school should make effective checks on how well the curriculum is taught so that any inconsistencies can be identified and appropriate support put in place.
• A significant proportion of parents do not feel listened to and they do not feel that their concerns are taken seriously by the MAT. Leaders at all levels, including the MAT, should continue to rebuild relationships with those parents who feel disengaged so that they can work together as a united school community for the benefit of the pupils.

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