School on outskirts of Hartlepool told it must improve following latest Ofsted report
Education inspectors have decided that a primary school must improve following its latest visit by education inspectors.
Hesleden Primary School, in Church Street, Hesleden, has recently been inspected under Ofsted’s new framework.
The school received the “expected standard” for attendance and behaviour but “needs attention” for achievement, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance and personal development and wellbeing.
The report begins by commending the school’s “sense of belonging” and ensuring pupils’ wellbeing is a “high priority” before highlighting a number of areas it could improve on.
The report states: “Leaders should ensure that teachers use assessment accurately to identify and address gaps in pupils’ knowledge so that pupils' understanding across the curriculum deepens and they remember more of what they have been taught.”
Leaders have also been encouraged to ensure tasks pupils complete in early years “appropriately challenge them and help them to gain new skills as they learn and develop”.
Acting headteacher Lynsey Johnson explained that pupils and staff at the school have undergone a “period of disruption” over the past 12 months, including the departure of the school’s previous headteacher in September.
Ms Johnson said: “Inspectors kindly recognised that our school has been through a period of disruption and throughout this time, leaders have acted with integrity, placing the interests of pupils at the heart of their decision-making."
Despite a period of upheaval, inspectors did recognise that “pupils enjoy coming to this small, rural school”.
Inspectors said: “They are greeted warmly by staff at the start of the day with a smile. Pupils’ wellbeing is a high priority. This gives pupils a sense of belonging.
"Pupils confide in their teachers and share their worries freely. They know that all staff will do what they can to help them.”
According to Ofsted, “pupils want to come to school” and “show a keen interest in their learning”.
Hesleden Primary School is currently developing its nursery outdoor provision and its new library space.
Ms Johnson said: “Be assured, at Hesleden Primary School the children must come first and this will not change whilst we seek to provide the best possible opportunities for all.”