Hardwick Primary School in Dover Street, Derby, has earned praise from Ofsted inspectors for its warm, nurturing and supportive environment, which is helping children feel secure and confident.
The school, part of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) was judged as outstanding for personal development, and good across all other areas including behaviour and attitudes, quality of education and leadership and management.
Hardwick has 600 pupils on roll, 36 languages are spoken and nearly two-thirds of children receive free school meals.
The report, published following the Ofsted visit at the end of February, also praised staff for their meticulous planning of a variety of rich experiences which helped to broaden pupils’ horizons. These experiences included trips to the seaside and residential visits. The school’s “Fab Forty” offer ensures all children experience a wide range of enriching activities before they leave primary school.
The school’s ‘CARE’ values were noted by the inspectors who said these helped children feel safe and valued.
Head of School Randhir Sandhu said: “It’s really wonderful to see in the report how positively the children talked about our school to the inspectors. To hear that the children refer to Hardwick as a “wonderful and a paradise”, really means a lot.”
“We have a strong nurture programme here.” “That means when a pupil joins us, we will find out where they have come from, their home language and level of English and what support they need. We have an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme which helps children gain the language skills they need to participate fully in class.”
The inspectors noted: “The support for pupils who speak EAL is a strength of the school. Close support from skilled staff enables these pupils to quickly settle in, make friends and access their learning alongside their peers. Pupils celebrate the diversity that is found in their school with pride.”
The school has also worked hard to develop and celebrate a strong Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) curriculum which embeds British Values, Protected Characteristics and the Rights of the Child.
Leaders at the Trust and school have also worked hard to improve attendance, which was also noted in the report. Inspectors stated: “The school leaves no stone unturned in its pursuit to improve attendance” and noted that persistent absences had been reduced “drastically”.
DDAT Chief Executive Dr Sarah Clark said: “We are extremely proud of the work colleagues at Hardwick Primary School have done to improve attendance, develop the curriculum and create a nurturing, experience-rich environment in which children can grow and thrive. Well done to all the children and staff on such a wonderful report.”
This news story was written by Kirsty Green on behalf of DDAT. For more information on how we can help your school or business be seen, heard and understood, get in touch!
