Settling in Parent Survey - Autumn 2024

‘Heard about it from great reputation and *** initially joined the nursery which we loved and could see how happy all the students in school are’

‘You are all doing a fantastic my son loves coming to school everyday and communication to parents is 1st class. Thank you’

‘Such a lovely school, lovely teachers, *** is always so happy to go to school every day and always comes out with the biggest smile on his face 😊 x’

‘A brilliant school where all the children and staff seem very happy, caring and supportive.’

External School Improvement Adviser - Autumn 2024

"Changes to learning environments and facilities, the rationalisation of staffing and significantly improved staff training and development to secure provision and practice have combined to see the school improve exponentially."

"It is very early in the school year. The behaviour and attitudes of all pupils is exceptional and visits to the nursery and Reception classes shows how expectations are established with the youngest and newest children in the school."

"Social skills and etiquettes are taught and modelled from the first, and the behaviours in nursery and Reception are remarkable. Leaders have created a safe, effectively regulated and busy environment."

"In nursery and Reception, staff ensure that children access – over time – the full range of provision indoors and out. There is a carefully crafted balance of child initiated and directed alongside adult led learning. Specific teaching is placed alongside opportunities for children to explore, to discover, to be curious. Across EYFS, there is a strong focus on communication and language. Adults interact effectively with children, questioning, prompting, modelling sentence starters, developing vocabulary."

"The school’s culture is deeply embedded."

"Pupils are attentive, listen to and follow instructions. They are happy to ask questions themselves and to contribute to class discussions."

"There is a strong sense of purpose to teaching and learning."

External School Improvement Adviser - Summer 2024

"The culture of the school, and its values of ‘Belief, Respect, Friendship, Support and Creativity’ frame and drive the life and work of the school and give moral as well as educational direction to school improvement. These are further expressed through the school’s Christian vision: 'Our school is like a living growing tree, where we are all connected together and dependent on each other, with a common core (trunk) and individuals' creative expression (branches) growing out of this' (linked to Parable of Mustard Seed)".

"The culture of the school is optimistic, inclusive and respectful. Pupils are safe and their education is rounded, preparing them effectively for the next stage of their learning academically, socially and emotionally. The headteacher, staff and governors are committed to developing pupils’ cultural capital and character. Pupils at the school gain the knowledge and skills that prepare them for life in modern Britain."

"Most schools claim that they are inclusive. Leaders and staff at Hampsthwaite go over and above, identifying and responding to the needs of all pupils as individuals, honouring and celebrating diversity and difference. This is seen in the high levels of tolerance and respect shown by pupils to others. The school helps pupils develop spiritually, morally socially and culturally, broadening their horizons beyond the limitations of their rural village location or individual circumstance."

Our children 

'This school is inspirational, and it gives me a warm, kind feeling inside, The school opens my brain to find wonders of the world. Our school is filled with belief, friendship, support, respect and creativity' - Frankie aged 8

'Hampsthwaite School is amazing at bringing laughter and happiness. It's like a second family to me' - Bella aged 8

'The school is fun, exciting and unpredictable sometimes. It is amazing to witness adults that aren't our parents spending so much money for your wellbeing' - Geoffrey aged 8

'Hampsthwaite School makes me feel secure, happy and unique. The school is really big, special and fun' - Piper aged 9

The school is very safe, kind and special. We respect differences - people are loved and if we have something on our minds, we can immediately tell a teacher or friends. Teachers have warm hearts and fun brains. Every student has an exciting teacher - it never gets boring!' - Izzy aged 8

'The school is funny, independent and unique. Our friendships flourish and we remember the main parable for our school, 'The Mustard Seed'. We are a Christian school, so many of us believe in the three aspects of the Trinity: The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. Mrs Husdon is exceptionally funny and makes us laugh when we're sad' - Caitlin aged 8

"To summon a resilient mind, you need the strength of determination, the strength of happiness and last, but not least, the strength of friendships". (Angus)

"To enable a healthy mind, you need the power of happiness, the power of responsibility and last, but not least, the power of belief." (Henry)

"To have a strong, healthy mind, you need to leave the sadness behind you and incorporate happiness and love into your heart." (Bella)

"To grow a strong, magical mind, you need love from your heart, concentration, fear and determination." (Sasha)

"If your best friends become angry at you, don’t turn a horse’s hoof because that will make the situation worse." (Ivy)

"If friends are envying you, don’t be tempted to let your feelings fall in the dumps." (Izzy)

"If someone is annoying you, just stay calm and smile." (Alfie)

"If your friends are developing bad behaviour, don’t get sucked in to a stormy cloud." (Frankie)