Halsnead Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 July 2023

This is a school where all pupils are welcome, irrespective of their faith or background. Pupils said that they are proud of the way that they respect each other and adults. Pupils feel happy and safe at school. Leaders are ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who are disadvantaged. Pupils embody the school's values of resilience and integrity in their approach to learning. They work hard and mostly achieve well. Leaders and staff have high expectations of pupils' behaviour. Pupils are keen to live up to these expectations. They are polite and well-mannered. Leaders deal with any incidents of bullying quickly and effectively. Furthermore, any pupil can access the Thrive Hub. Pupils said that this is a space in school where pupils with SEND, or those needing extra pastoral care, receive social and emotional support. They value this. Pupils benefit from an array of school trips that help to build their awareness of the wider world. These trips include visits to places of historical significance and places of worship. Pupils talked with excitement about their visits from local authors, and the clubs that they attend, such as dodgeball and cross-stitch.

What the school should improve

• ◼ In a few subjects, some pupils have gaps in their knowledge due to weaknesses in the previous curriculum. On occasion, these pupils do not have the most secure foundations on which to build new learning. Leaders should ensure that teachers identify and address gaps in pupils' learning before teaching new concepts. ◼ Some pupils do not attend school regularly enough. This limits their exposure to all that the curriculum offers. Leaders should work with the families of these pupils to improve their rates of attendance.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)