Heather Avenue Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 October 2024

Pupils thrive at this inclusive and caring school. Pupils are happy and enjoy learning. They make an excellent start in early years. As they move through the school, pupils achieve exceptionally well, particularly in the core subjects: reading, writing and mathematics. There are positive relationships between staff and pupils. Pupils are well cared for. They have many adults in school they can talk to if they are worried. Pupils behave well. Most have excellent attitudes to learning. At breaktime and lunchtime, pupils behave sensibly. They enjoy taking part in a range of games and creative play together. Pupils develop their wider character in different ways. On a daily basis they give 'compliments' to classmates and engage in active discussions about philosophical questions. From an early age, pupils think deeply and learn about right and wrong in the world around them. A range of popular activities enhance pupils' broader personal development. All pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, can access activities such as tennis, dance and outdoor learning. Educational visits considerably enhance the curriculum. For example, pupils enjoy visits to the theatre in London, places of worship, and go on residential trips.

What the school should improve

• On occasion, the teaching approaches used do not fully support pupils to learn and remember the essential knowledge within the wider school curriculum. As a result, some pupils develop gaps in their learning over time. The school needs to continue to refine their approach to teaching in some of the wider curriculum so that pupils secure and build on their learning confidently across all subjects.

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