Halsford Park Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 22 November 2022

Pupils fully embrace the school's values of responsibility, respect, courage and compassion. The values permeate through all of school life. Pupils show remarkable levels of understanding and empathy towards new children who arrive at the school having experienced varying cultural and life experiences. Pupils know who they can talk to if they have any worries. They appreciate and use their class 'worry boxes' and know that staff always help them. Staff explicitly link the values to their high expectations for behaviour and learning. Pupils are encouraged to behave well. They know that bullying is unacceptable and that if it occurs, staff deal with it swiftly and effectively. Pupils appreciate their clear learning routines and how they link with the school's values. As a result, they work hard in their lessons and achieve well. There are many positions of responsibility available. Pupils show pride in carrying out their duties on the school council and as prefects. They know they have a strong voice in the school and that they are listened to. Their recent suggestions have been acted on by leaders. This has included a subtle adjustment to how pupils can ask for help in lessons or with their behaviour.

What the school should improve

• In a few foundation subjects, the curriculum has recently been reviewed and updated. As a result, pupils cannot always remember key knowledge and make links with their previous learning. Leaders need to embed the teaching of clearly sequenced knowledge and skills in these subjects.
• Support for pupils who need extra help with their reading is not always targeted precisely enough on the specific gaps in their learning. This means that these pupils are not catching up quickly enough. Leaders should ensure that reading interventions are focused and effective.

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