‘A small school with a big family feel’: Ofsted inspectors highlight 'significant improvements' at Hallaton Primary School

Among the positive comments, the inspectors said: "The vast majority of parents hold the school in high regard. They value the school's close-knit, family feel and the progress that pupils make. They describe the school as the beating heart of the village it serves. Inspection evidence supports this view."

Ofsted found the school meets the expected standard in every area, with safeguarding standards met, and that it has made “significant improvements in both the curriculum and teaching” since its previous inspection back in July 2023, when the school was given a 'requires improvement' rating.

During their latest inspection on September 8, inspectors found “a strong capacity for continued improvement.”

Headteacher Claire Stevens joined the school permanently in January 2023.

“I grew up locally and went to a village school myself, so I know what it can give a child,” said Mrs Stevens.

“Our children learn with the countryside on the doorstep and join in with lots of village events throughout the year. School is more than just coming to learn. It’s about being part of a family and being prepared for life, with the Christian values our children chose themselves: kindness, endurance, friendship, justice and wisdom. This latest report is a really positive step for our school. We will keep working on the areas Ofsted has asked us to develop and keep building on everything we already do well.”

Inspectors found that teaching is planned around mixed-age classes, that teachers adapt lessons so all groups of pupils typically achieve well, and that older pupils set a positive example for younger ones. In phonics, pupils achieve significantly higher than the national average and go on to develop a love of reading.

For a school of its size, inspectors described “an impressive range of extra-curricular activities” and noted that “leaders ensure that nobody is left out.” In sport, the school has achieved the School Games Mark Gold Award three years running.

Children’s learning stretches well beyond the classroom, into Forest School, next door to the village museum and church, and out to a local farm, to experience farm life through the seasons.

Every parent who responded to Ofsted’s Parent View survey agreed their child is happy and feels safe at school, and 96 per cent would recommend it to another parent.

In terms of improvements, Ofsted inspectors recommended that "leaders should ensure that there is a consistent approach to identifying and addressing errors in pupils' writing, including in letter formation and fluency" and to "make use of the full range of information that is available to them when evaluating the impact of their work".

To read the full report, visit https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/120176