Hormead Church of England (VA) First School

Overview

Hormead Church of England (VA) First School is described as a “warm and welcoming” institution where pupils are “safe and happy.” The report highlights a strong community spirit, with pupils demonstrating core Christian values and showing “great care for each other.” Leaders maintain high expectations for achievement, including for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they learn alongside their peers.

Strengths

• The curriculum is logically ordered, with a “sharp focus on early reading” that ensures most pupils learn to read fluently and accurately.
• Staff are confident and present information clearly, regularly checking understanding to quickly address any gaps in learning.
• Pupils behave well, are “typically attentive and keen to learn,” and demonstrate respect through initiatives like the ‘Buddy Bench’.
• Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with an “open and positive culture” that puts pupils’ interests first.
• Governors provide clear strategic direction, and new marking approaches have positively impacted staff workload and well-being.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure teachers are fully trained in delivering new curriculum approaches in a small number of subjects and evaluate the impact of these changes on pupils’ learning.
• The school should strengthen efforts to secure regular attendance, as a small group of pupils miss too much time, negatively impacting their learning and well-being.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”