Ofsted rates school '˜good'

The education watchdog visited Heatherley Primary School in October and said the leadership team has maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection in 2012.

They said since the previous inspection there had been a great deal of change.

Acting headteacher Stefanie Hanson and other senior leaders have worked with the new middle leaders and the governing body to address the emerging weaknesses in the school and have ensured that the strengths are sustained.

The strong partnership with a local school and the support of an associate headteacher have ensured continuity and stability for the school.

The inspector added: “ You have demonstrated that your collective expectations are high.”

A statement on the school’s website on the Ofsted report said: “Our school continues to evolve, and whilst there remains much to do, this result is recognition of the great work of our teachers and pupils alike.

“It is important to take stock of this and celebrate their achievement, whilst we continue to build for the future.”

At the end of key stage 2, pupils’ attainment in reading and writing was in line with the national averages, while attainment in mathematics was above.

Parents who spoke with the inspector were confident that their children make good progress, are well cared for and are safe.

They said they value the care that the staff take to help their children succeed. The vast majority of parents say that the school communicates well with them. They appreciate the effort put in by staff to ensure that their children make a successful transition to secondary school.

A small minority of parents, however, told inspectors they felt that there was more to be done to improve communication.

They would like to receive more information about the school’s approach to improvement and to get a timely response to their concerns from leaders.

The school is a positive place to learn. Pupils quickly settle down to well planned learning activities. In the classrooms and playground areas, pupils feel safe and take a pride in their learning.