‘One big family’: Northampton primary school given another glowing report by Ofsted

A Northampton primary school has been given another ‘good’ rating by Ofsted, following their latest inspection.

East Hunsbury Primary School, in Penvale Road, has been described as “welcoming and inclusive” with a “strong sense of community” in the education watchdog’s report published on June 17.

One parent told Ofsted, “East Hunsbury is a wonderful school. The teachers go above and beyond for the children here.”

Ofsted said that teachers have high expectations for pupils and they have a “broad and ambitious” curriculum that organises knowledge well and allows children to build on prior knowledge.

Daily retrieval activities at the beginning of English and mathematics lessons allow teachers to check what pupils know; there are currently plans to embed this fully in all subjects.

Inspectors said that reading is “at the heart” of the school’s curriculum as they have a well-stocked library and pupils are introduced to a wide range of texts that represent the modern day world.

According to Ofsted, occasional incidents of poor behaviour are reported but “skilled” staff respond by providing the nurture needed to help pupils regulate themselves.

The education watchdog described the staff in the primary school’s specialist unit as “expert practitioners,” who help pupils with special educational needs and disabilities “thrive” and become “happy and confident learners.”

The report notes that, at break times, there are plenty of activities for pupils to do and they particularly enjoy their time on the sports pitch being led by a sports specialist.

Ofsted said that teachers encourage pupils to think about how they can make a difference in the community, which helps them to become “responsible, caring citizens” - for example, pupils visit elderly residents and play games with them and they have brightened up their local library with plants and flowers.

Inspectors praised the school for providing lots of opportunities for pupils to take on extra responsibilities - such as becoming ambassadors - and after school clubs.

Ofsted found that staff are positive about the support they receive from leaders and appreciate the consideration given to their workload and wellbeing. Staff members described the school to inspectors as “one big family.”

East Hunsbury Primary School is part of the Northampton Primary Academy Trust.

Read the full Ofsted report here.