Heathlands Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 June 2022

Pupils enjoy coming to this inclusive school. They feel safe and enjoy positive relationships with staff and one another. Leaders ensure that there are high expectations for pupils' behaviour. The 'Heathlands Way' is known and understood by everyone. The shared language means that staff manage any incidents of poor behaviour with consistency. Leaders ensure that strong provision is in place for all pupils. Exclusions have reduced and are used appropriately where necessary. Pupils say bullying is very rare. When it does happen, they say teachers are good at sorting it out. Pupils have a good understanding of equality and difference. They respect other viewpoints and cultures. Pupils say you can 'be yourself' at Heathlands and you will be accepted. Leaders nurture this ethos through the focus on well-being and mental health following the pandemic. Pupils have opportunities to take responsibility and are proud to represent the school in a variety of roles. Leaders set up visits, such as the recent one to Bournemouth University, to encourage pupils to aspire academically. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school. Teachers provide parents with information to help them support their children. Parents in the early years enjoy coming in to share activities with their children.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, teachers do not present learning as clearly or effectively as they do in core subjects. This means that pupils' work can lack rigour and does not match the standards of knowledge set out in the curriculum intent. Leaders need to ensure that all teachers have a clear and shared understanding of how to present learning effectively across the curriculum so that pupils achieve the ambition of the curriculum intent.
• On occasions, pupils' attitudes to their learning are not consistently positive. Where teaching is not precise enough, pupils can lose focus and engagement in their learning. Leaders need to continue with their work in developing highly positive attitudes to learning. This is so that pupils are consistently motivated to learn and produce work that is of a high standard.

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