SCHOOL INSPECTION REPORT

HCH was the subject of an Ofsted inspection in May 2007. The inspection report made many favourable comments regarding the school and among them were:

• The pupil’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good. Younger and older pupils play and perform together, enjoy one another’s company and value each other’s contribution. They also enjoy school and are well prepared in terms of their future well being.

• Staff have strong commitment to the welfare of the pupils and provide good levels of personal support. Pupils are well known as individuals and they report favourably on how they feel safe and how incidents of bullying although rare are taken seriously and managed effectively.

• Many teachers are highly talented specialists and inspire pupils through their enthusiasm. The individual tutoring that many pupils receive either to support an individual talent or a learning need is good.

• One outstanding feature of the curriculum is the use of French and Spanish as a medium for teaching younger pupils. The result is above average attainment in languages at Key stage 3.

There were, however, a number of areas of potential improvement identified. We therefore formed a working party to draw up an action plan, which worked throughout the summer to correct the deficiencies. In a follow up inspection in October we were delighted to have the confirmation that all issues had been successfully addressed.

We feel that the whole experience has been extremely valuable in helping us to be an even more successful school and we have received many favourable comments from our parents and pupils as a result of our actions.

The main issues that were addressed as a result of the inspection were:

Curriculum:  HCH places great emphasis on inspirational and original teaching. This was not matched in all subjects by rigorous documentation of the content and objectives of lessons. All subjects are now being documented in standard format.

Communication: The school has grown very rapidly and the inspectors identified the need to increase the quantity and quality of the formal communications with parents. In response to this we have:

• Instituted a weekly newsletter which goes via email to all parents
• Implemented an intranet which is reference base for parents and pupils for all matters relating to the curriculum, timetable, homework, events, procedures etc
• Increased the level and regularity of written documentation provided to parents

Personnel Records and recruitment: The inspectors identified some weaknesses in our personnel documentation and recruitment processes relating in particular to the new regulations introduced in January 2007. The inspectors are now fully satisfied with this aspect of our operations.

Health and Safety: Some relatively minor issues were identified but knowing how critical these issues are for parents and conscious of our great responsibility in this matter we commissioned an H&S audit by a specialist company and have implemented their recommendations.

The full report may be viewed at the following web address:

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/

BC/17th January 2008