‘Great sense of belonging’: Hartlepool’s Ward Jackson Church of England Primary School celebrates recent Ofsted inspection
Pupils and staff at a Hartlepool primary school “with love and care at the centre” are celebrating after receiving a glowing Ofsted report.
Ward Jackson Church of England Primary School, in Clark Street, Hartlepool, has recently been inspected under Ofsted’s new framework.
One-word overall gradings are no longer given, with schools now being marked against a different set of criteria.
The school was given a “strong standard” in inclusion and personal development and wellbeing, and an “expected standard” in achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years and leadership and governance.
The inspectors’ report states: “This is a small school with love and care at the centre of it.
"The school is warm and welcoming.
"It is an inclusive community where pupils feel safe, valued and confident to be themselves.”
According to the report, staff “have established a highly inclusive culture” where pupils are “known, valued and supported to thrive”.
The report adss: “Pupils’ individual needs are identified quickly and accurately, including those who are disadvantaged, those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), or those who are known or previously known to children’s social care.”
Staff have also been praised for the school’s personal development programme with Ofsted saying: “From the early years onwards, pupils are encouraged to reflect on their own opinions and experiences, to understand right and wrong, and to respect the values and differences of others.”
Headteacher, Amy Sparkes, said: “I am incredibly proud of our whole Ward Jackson family.
"This report recognises what we see every single day – a school built on love, high expectations and an unwavering belief in every child.
“Inspectors captured the very heart of who we are – a small school where children feel safe, valued and known.
"That is not accidental. It is the result of relentless commitment from a dedicated staff team who go above and beyond for our children and families.”
The school has been given a couple of areas to improve in.
Leaders have been encouraged to ensure the school’s curriculum and teaching are “consistently adapted” to allow more pupils to “deepen their subject knowledge” and apply this knowledge to complex tasks.
Staff have also been encouraged to continue their work to ensure consistently high attendance of pupils.