Hammond School retains 'Good' rating

A Lightwater school offers a broad and balanced education for children who behave well and work hard, according to a recent Ofsted report.

Hammond School retained its ‘Good’ award after it was inspected in February, and the report highlighted many areas for praise, including the ‘rich offer of activities’ on offer and the high expectations of the staff.

“The broad and balanced education stretches beyond learning in the classroom. Pupils learn the ‘Pride’ values and why they matter both in the school and in the wider world. As a result, they are keen to live up to these and win the coveted ‘pride points,” the report says.

The junior school has 254 pupils aged from seven to 11-years-old on the roll, and is a member of the GLF Schools multi-academy trust.

“We are delighted with the outcome of this inspection, and that the Ofsted inspector saw the strength of our curriculum and broad educational offer,” said executive headteacher Lee Parsons.

“As mentioned in the report, we remain committed to rebuilding meaningful relationships with our families and will continue to develop these. I am incredibly proud of the whole team at Hammond, and everything we do every day for our children,” she added.

The schools well-planned and ambitious curriculum was highlighted by the report which said it has been ‘carefully sequenced’ to ensure pupils make strong links between the subjects.

Extra-curricular activities are a ‘rich offer’ and pupils can develop their individual interests and talents.

“Pupils relish the range of sports, computer programming and gardening clubs available and these are well attended. Older pupils use the dedicated recording studio to produce monthly podcasts on topics important to them,” says the report.

There was also praise for leaders who have ‘clear oversight of all the subjects’ and provide effective support and guidance to staff. They work together to ensure additional needs are accurately identified and ensure support is provided in a timely way. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities  are well-supported and learn successfully.

Pupils’ love of reading was also singled-out for mention as the children have ‘multiple opportunities’ to read throughout the day.

“Pupil librarians, acting as role models, share books with younger pupils and recommend their favourite authors to their peers. This school’s reading spine is varied and diverse. It immerses pupils in high quality literature,” the report says.

A welcoming and harmonious environment is a reflection of the pupils’ understanding of being inclusive and valuing difference. The children are proud of leadership roles and eager to help others and the school.