Winchester: Harestock Primary School celebrates 'Good' Ofsted

Harestock Primary School, in Bramshaw Close, has retained its ‘Good’ status following its last inspection.

Headteacher Aimee Dear, who took over the school in April, was delighted with her first result, keeping up with the high standards of previous head of 16 years Jackie Sankey.

Mrs Dear said: “The children, staff and governors of Harestock Primary School are absolutely delighted by our good Ofsted report. We feel the inspection understood the essence of our school which at its root is inclusivity and kindness but also recognised the great educational experience children get at our school.”

Harestock Primary School pupils celebrating their 'Good' Ofsted (Image: Harestock Primary School)

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Inspectors, who visited before summer holidays, praised pupils’ effort, creativity and consideration of one another.

The report published last month reads: “Pupils thrive as they learn to build friendships and become confident individuals at this school. Right from the very start, pupils try hard in lessons. They are keen to live up to staff’s high expectations.

“Pupils take pride in their achievements and those of others. They strive to have their name written in the ‘golden book’ or become ‘pupil of the week’. Bullying is rare and, if it does occur, pupils know that staff will help them stop it.

“Creativity is nurtured in Reception as children build dens and share stories in the forest school. This continues as they grow, with opportunities to join a rock band, sing with the choir in Winchester Cathedral or make their own performances on the outdoor stage at lunchtime.

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“At social times, pupils across the school delight in chatting together or taking part in the games organised by the pupil ‘play leaders’.

“Pupils are proud to be members of this diverse and welcoming community. Pupils who speak English as an additional language are supported by ‘young translators’ and this means that they settle quickly into the life of the school. Pupils understand the need to take care of their mental health. They develop strategies to do this effectively.”

The inspectors also highlighted the school’s positive approach to reading, staff and pupil relationships and its eco-council.

Harestock Primary School has been awarded ‘Good’ since 2013. The school will be judged again in about four years' time.