Hartlepool school hits 'strong and expected standards'

The report on Ward Jackson Church of England Primary School, in Hartlepool, examines the quality of education offered and is compiled by inspectors from the Government’s education watchdog Ofsted. 

This latest report stated the school was hitting strong standards in inclusion, personal development and wellbeing.

Inspectors wrote: “This is a small school with love and care at the centre of it. The school is warm and welcoming.

"It is an inclusive community where pupils feel safe, valued and confident to be themselves.”

Other parts of the report found the school was hitting the expected standards when it came to curriculum and teaching, attendance and behaviour, leadership and governance, early years, and achievement.

Inspectors found: "Pupils make steady progress through the curriculum.

"Leaders track progress carefully and ensure that pupils who need additional support receive timely, focused teaching that builds confidence and knowledge."

Notes in the report also highlighted that some pupils enter the school with very low starting points but those who do not initially meet the expected phonics standard catch up, and many pupils read accurately by the end of key stage 1.

The report also said: "By the end of key stage 2, published outcomes show that attainment in reading, writing and mathematics is broadly in line with national averages, with disadvantaged pupils achieving in line with or above their peers nationally.

"Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities progress well through the curriculum, supported by effective adaptations."

It also commented on pupils' attendance meeting the expected standard.

It said: "Leaders place sustained emphasis on improving attendance and understand its importance in securing pupils’ learning and wellbeing.

"They analyse attendance information carefully to identify patterns and act when concerns emerge.

"This approach has been effective in addressing historically low attendance for some pupils. Overall attendance is rising."

Headteacher Amy Sparkes told us: "I am incredibly proud of our whole Ward Jackson family.

"This report recognises what we see every single day - a school built on love, high expectations and an unwavering belief in every child."

Part of the report commended the pupils' behaviour, describing the environment as "calm, orderly, and respectful" with very high expectations for behaviour which are met by the pupils.

It stated that the school does not tolerate bullying and discrimination and addresses any concerns quickly and effectively.

Ofsted recommended that the school ensure that the curriculum and teaching are consistently adapted so that more pupils deepen their subject knowledge and apply their knowledge and skills to increasingly complex tasks.