Hezlett Primary School

Overview

This Sustaining Improvement Inspection was conducted in June 2018, following a 2015 evaluation of the school as ‘good’. Due to industrial action involving ‘non-co-operation’ by teaching staff, the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) was unable to fully evaluate classroom learning, teaching quality, or the specific line of inquiry regarding play-based learning. Consequently, the report states the ETI is ‘unable to assure parents/carers... of the quality education provided for the children’.

Strengths

• The report notes that ‘appropriate actions have taken place’ to improve early years planning, including the effective development of additional space in the school grounds for play.
• There has been ‘appropriate investment in resources’ to widen children’s play-based learning experiences and improve their enjoyment.
• Year 7 pupils spoke ‘positively and confidently’ about their school experiences, highlighting the School Council and Eco-work as opportunities to contribute.
• Children valued their ‘positive working relationships’ with staff and appreciated leadership roles such as ‘playground buddies’ and reading helpers.

Areas to improve

• The appendix identifies ‘inadequate perimeter fencing around the school’.
• The report highlights ‘unsafe access to the roads surrounding the school from the playground’.

Safeguarding

The school provided evidence that safeguarding arrangements ‘reflect broadly the guidance from the Department of Education’, and pupils stated they feel safe; however, the ETI was ‘unable to evaluate fully the arrangements for safeguarding’ due to the industrial action.