New Hartley First School

Overview

New Hartley First School is described as a place where pupils are “happy and nurtured by staff” and live out character virtues such as “empathy, honesty and respect.” The report highlights that pupils “behave very well” and are “well prepared for the next stages in their education” through an “ambitious curriculum.” Overall, the school provides a positive environment where leaders and governors have an “accurate view” of strengths and areas for development.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate strong behaviour and kindness, with staff effectively supporting those who “struggle to manage strong emotions.”
• The curriculum is well-designed, ensuring pupils gain “secure foundations” in English and mathematics and are taught to “challenge inequality.”
• Reading is a high priority; staff use precise checks to identify gaps, ensuring “most pupils become confident, fluent readers.”
• The school prioritises inclusivity, working closely with parents to swiftly identify and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
• Character education is “particularly strong,” helping pupils understand healthy relationships and feel “welcome” at school.

Areas to improve

• In some curriculum areas, checks on pupils’ understanding are “not consistently precise enough,” meaning gaps in learning are not always spotted.
• During independent learning times in the early years, staff do not always “make the most of opportunities to further develop children’s language” or help them practise ambitious vocabulary.

Safeguarding

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