Hartford Infant and Preschool

Overview

Pupils at Hartford Infant and Preschool are described as happy, confident learners who demonstrate "exemplary behaviour" and "highly positive attitudes to learning." The school provides a well-structured curriculum that builds knowledge over time, supported by effective teaching and a strong focus on personal development. While the overall effectiveness is rated Good, specific aspects of behaviour, personal development, and leadership are rated Outstanding.

Strengths

• Pupils show "exemplary behaviour," being "extremely respectful and helpful" with bullying being "extremely rare."
• Leaders have designed a curriculum with clear steps of knowledge that "enable pupils to learn more over time," ensuring pupils "progress well."
• There is a "systematic approach to the teaching of phonics," allowing most pupils, including those with special educational needs, to develop reading skills quickly.
• Leaders prioritise personal development through a "rich range of opportunities" for social, moral, and cultural understanding, such as gallery visits and theatre trips.
• Staff feel valued and supported, contributing to positive workload and well-being, while governors are "proactive in fulfilling their responsibilities."

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure staff are trained to identify pupils falling behind in reading quickly enough so that "suitable interventions can be put in place to help them catch up."
• In the preschool, activities and resources are not yet "sharply focused on what leaders intend children to learn," meaning children are not receiving the full range of experiences needed for their transition into Reception.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong culture of safeguarding" where staff are alert to risks and pass on concerns promptly.