St Andrew's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, Hitchin

Strengths

• High expectations for attendance with tailored support leading to above-average attendance and low persistent absence.
• Pupils behave with respect, courtesy and kindness, and lessons are calm and purposeful.
• Early years provision is well crafted, with children achieving well and prepared for Year 1.
• Personal development curriculum is well sequenced and develops pupils' understanding of health, safety, relationships, equality and diversity.
• A wide range of clubs, trips and pupil roles ensures broad opportunities for all, including vulnerable pupils.
• Pupils' achievement in national tests is a notable strength, with outcomes above average in reading, writing, mathematics and phonics.
• Leaders know the school well and have high expectations and aspirations for all pupils.
• Governors are effective critical friends who support and challenge leaders.
• Staff feel valued and well supported in their roles.
• Strong relationships with parents and a nurturing environment help pupils feel a sense of belonging.
• Vulnerable pupils generally achieve well from their starting points due to suitable adaptations.

Areas for Improvement

• Pupils' achievement in daily learning is variable, with some not consistently applying key writing skills including handwriting, punctuation and spelling.
• Teaching is less precise in handwriting, punctuation and spelling, and teachers do not consistently address errors in written work.
• Leaders' work to improve writing has had variable impact.
• For some pupils with individual plans, targets could be more precise.
• Rigorous monitoring is needed to support staff in making skilful adjustments for vulnerable pupils.
• Disadvantaged pupils' performance in writing and mathematics is below national averages, with a negative disadvantage gap.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools