Hilltop First School

Overview

Hilltop First School is judged ‘Good’ across all inspection categories, maintaining high standards since its previous ‘Outstanding’ rating. Pupils are described as “happy, settled and eager to share their thoughts,” benefiting from a “caring ethos” and a curriculum that provides “full access to the national curriculum.” Leaders demonstrate “high expectations” for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Strengths

• Pupils exhibit positive behaviour, being “polite, friendly and supportive of one another” while understanding that bullying is unacceptable.
• Reading instruction is consistent and effective, with staff following a clear phonics programme and providing “effective additional support” for struggling learners.
• The curriculum is well-designed with a “clear sequence of learning,” allowing pupils to “remember more over time.”
• Personal development is strong, with pupils taking pride in leadership roles and learning about “beliefs and cultures different to their own.”
• Staff feel “valued and well supported,” and governors offer “appropriate support and challenge.”

Areas to improve

• Leaders must continue providing bespoke training to address “variability in staff subject knowledge” in a few subjects, ensuring pupils learn as well as they could.
• In the early years, adults need to improve targeted interactions to “deepen learning” and ensure children are consistently exposed to a “broad, rich vocabulary.”
• Leaders are working to improve attendance, as extended term-time holidays mean some pupils “miss important learning.”

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff well trained to recognise risks and acting swiftly when concerns arise.