Hordle Primary School rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted for second time

HORDLE Primary School has held on to its ‘outstanding’ rating following an inspection last month during which pupils had recounted a “happy energy”.

Staff at the school were praised by Ofsted for their “expert skills”, with the inspector noting the school was a “happy” one where “everyone smiles”.

The inspector noted that parents said their children "thrive at school and cannot wait for the school day to start".

It was noted that one pupil had described the “happy energy” in classrooms, and staff were said to have worked with “extraordinary collaboration” to help children succeed in their work.

Pupils were "extremely well behaved", said the inspector, both in "their lessons and at lunchtimes". They noted reports of bullying were "very rare", with pupils saying they "could not recall it ever happening in their school".

Ofsted stated that children "like and trust the adults who work there", adding that youngsters' personal development was “well catered for”.

The "innovative" curriculum was said to be "crafted so that every pupil is equipped extremely well for their future”.

Praising staff at the school, the inspector said they provided an education that was of an "exceptional quality" for all pupils.

The report also said the school in Hordle Lane was doing well with tackling important issues such as diversity and had highlighted the "contributions made by women, people of colour and those with disabilities”.

The latest grading has come as it was revealed that, nationally, 84% of previously rated outstanding primary schools have been downgraded since Ofsted introduced a new education framework.

The chief inspector of schools, Amanda Spielman, said halving the number of ‘outstanding’ schools to one in 10 is a “more realistic starting point for the system”.

In the early years and nursery, the inspector was just as impressed, stating that “play is full of intriguing possibilities” and rating it as “excellent”.

She said the curriculum is aimed at helping children “learn to cooperate” and noted that children’s “positive attitudes to reading start in nursery”.

Headteacher of the school, Fiona Adams, said: “We don’t call ourselves ‘Team Hordle’ for nothing. This achievement belongs to the whole school team – the staff, the governors, the children, and their families – all of whom work tirelessly in partnership to achieve the best for our pupils.

“We are all deeply proud that this school has been recognised as a school that our community can be proud of; a school where our families can be confident that their children are getting the very best education possible.”