Ofsted
Outstanding for Early Years and Behaviour & Attitudes
We were delighted to host Ofsted in September 2024 for one of their first inspections since the removal of one-word grading. It is fantastic that Ofsted found our school to be Outstanding for early years provision and for behaviour and attitudes, and Good across all other categories.
We are thrilled that Ofsted noted that the school is a happy place to be, where “Pupils love attending and are eager to learn”, and benefit from high ambitions and expectations. They noted that “Pupils at Hardwick School demonstrate the values of ‘aim high, be safe, be kind, inspire others and have pride’. These values drive decision-making in all areas of the school.”
Inspectors praised our well-sequenced curriculum which “sets out the small steps of knowledge that pupils need to learn in the order they need to learn it.” Beginning in early years, our children are well prepared for their next steps in learning at each stage, which is reflected in our positive outcomes. The report states that “Teachers’ secure understanding of the curriculum helps pupils to build their knowledge successfully over time (and) the provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) in school is highly effective”.
We are particularly pleased that inspectors recognised the behaviour at our school as “exceptional”, noting how we teach our children about positive behaviour and how our teachers “take every opportunity to explore with pupils the impact of their behaviour on themselves and others”. Consequently, children across all year groups “show extremely positive attitudes to learning and excellent conduct. They show high levels of self-awareness and a real desire to focus on their learning.”
The inspection report commended our focus on our children as individuals, recognising that “The school promotes pupils’ character, individuality and their personal development.” We offer a range of clubs where children can explore and nurture their talents and interests and children also have the opportunity to be part of the pupil leadership team, giving an understanding of democracy where they show respect towards one another and celebrate differences.
Charlotte Taylor, Headteacher, said “We are delighted to share the fantastic news of our recent Ofsted inspection, and particularly thrilled to have received Outstanding judgements for our Early Years and Behaviour and Attitudes. This achievement highlights the dedication and hard work of our entire school community, and we are proud of Hardwick's achievements.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the incredible staff, whose passion and commitment ensure that the children who attend Hardwick continue to thrive in our kind and inclusive school. I am also so proud of our pupils, whose enthusiasm and positive behaviour contribute greatly to making Hardwick an exceptional place to learn. We are grateful for the support of the GLF Trust, which plays a vital role in our ongoing success, as well as the support we receive from our parents, families and the wider community.”
We warmly invite any families interested in learning more about what Hardwick has to offer to come and visit. Please contact the school on info@hardwickschool.org to arrange a visit and see firsthand what makes our community so special.
