Pupils enjoy attending this small, welcoming school. They are polite and respectful to each other and to staff and visitors. Pupils attend well and most have positive attitudes to their learning, following the school’s motto: ‘Be the best we can be’. Pupils are confident to ask for help when they need it during lessons. Despite this, staff do not have consistently high enough expectations of pupils’ attitudes towards their learning. This means that too many pupils lack focus and do not take enough pride in their work. This often goes unnoticed by staff. As a result, pupils do not reach their full potential. Pupils spoken to during the inspection said that they feel happy and safe at Ashford Hill. They say that bullying is very rare and that pupils are kind to each other. Most know who to go to if they have concerns, but some say they do not have a trusted adult they can talk to. Staff and leaders do not consistently recognise the concerns about pupils’ welfare that could be indicators of something more serious. Consequently, staff and leaders do not meet their safeguarding duties.