Our Lady of Hartley Catholic Primary School, Hartley, Longfield

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

The drive, enthusiasm and vision of the headteacher have transformed the school from a good, high-achieving school into an outstanding one. As a result, staff, pupils and parents and carers are rightly proud of the school and fully committed to its motto of, 'Together in faith, love and learning'. Teaching is consistently good and much is outstanding because teachers have ensured that the behaviour and attitude of pupils to learning are exemplary.

Pupils make exceptional progress in all subjects from generally average starting points in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Standards have remained above average for the last three yea...rs so that by the end of Key Stages 1 and 2, standards in reading, writing and mathematics are significantly above average. Mathematics is a key strength of the school.

The structured development of problem solving skills across the school has led to significantly above average standards and improved progress in mathematics in the last three years. Progress in reading and writing is improving rapidly because of the opportunities provided for pupils to use their skills in different subjects. The wide variety of themes provided by the school ensures that pupils develop speaking and listening skills in a broad range of subjects and are prepared extremely well for their next stage of education.

Support staff working with pupils in need of extra help, including those eligible for the pupil premium funding, disabled pupils and those with special educational needs, make a strong contribution to rising standards. The school provides pupils with the opportunity to experience and value periods of calm reflection, often through inspiring songs that are linked carefully to pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. As a result, pupils' relationships with one another and adults are outstanding and are a key strength of the school.

Since the last inspection, the strong governing body has ensured the appointment of a strong headteacher and leadership team. Governors have supported the school to eliminate weaknesses.

Information about this school

The school is an average-sized primary school.

The proportion of pupils supported through pupil premium funding (additional government funding for certain groups, such as pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals or looked after by the local authority) is below the national average. Most pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action, school action plus or a statement of special educational needs is below average.

There have been significant changes in the school since the last inspection. The headteacher has only been in post since April 2013, the deputy headteacher since September 2013 and the newly restructured senior leadership team commenced work in September, 2013. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

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