A "friendly and welcoming" school where pupils are encouraged to hone their talents "may have improved significantly" since it was rated as good by Ofsted inspectors almost a decade ago.

A fresh inspection took place at Harpfield Primary Academy last month and the results have just been revealed.

Inspectors have commended the Hartshill school's support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as well as its tireless efforts to ensure good attendance for all children. And pupils were praised for their knowledge, tolerance of others and "rapid progress".

The report said: "This is a friendly and welcoming school with a real family ethos. The school aims high for all pupils to achieve and behave well.

"Central to this is the way the school quickly gets to know pupils and their own personal needs. This work is paying dividends; it is clear that pupils are doing very well in school and are making rapid progress.

Harpfield Primary Academy was inspected last month (Google).

"The school has developed an ambitious and engaging curriculum (and) the curriculum is very well thought out. The curriculum connects subjects together and makes links to the local area; as a result, all pupils, including those with SEND. acquire deep knowledge across a range of subjects.

"Pupils with SEND access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers (and) teachers skilfully adapt the curriculum for pupils with SEND. Many pupils with SEND achieve as well as their peers and others are well supported to be able to catch up."

Work to develop pupils' interests and prepare them for life were also highlighted by inspectors. They said: "The school develops pupils' talents and interests through the huge array of clubs that are available.

"They include sports, singing, Shakespeare, arts and crafts and board games; the 'take the stage' club is particularly popular. Many of these clubs have been specifically requested by pupils.

"Pupils are very well prepared for the next steps in their education and life in modern Britain. The school's life skills programme is particularly effective in this regard.

"The personal development offer is incredibly ambitious and extensive. The school has planned for pupils to experience a wide range of exciting and memorable experiences.

"Pupils are knowledgeable and tolerant of the beliefs of others and different relationships. They say, 'It doesn't matter what you believe, just be kind.'"

------------

READ MORE: New jobs available in Stoke now: Stoke City, Newcastle College and Co-op

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Stoke Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our city.

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.

Please consider following Stoke Nub News on Facebook or Twitter.