Heron Hill Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 October 2022

Heron Hill is a happy school where pupils learn, grow and play together. Leaders have high expectations for all pupils in the school. These start from the very beginning of the pupils' school life. Children in Nursery learn to concentrate on their learning. This continues as pupils move through school. Leaders have ensured that staff and pupils understand the behaviour rules. For example, children in the early years follow the routines that their teachers set. Older pupils behave well in lessons and around school. Pupils play and learn together well. All pupils know that they need to be respectful of each other. Pupils talk about the way everyone is included, with one pupil saying, 'It doesn't matter who you are, you are welcome here'. Leaders address incidents of bullying swiftly and effectively on the rare occasions when they occur. Pupils know who to go to if they have any worries. This helps them to feel safe in school. Staff share leaders' high expectations. They support pupils to take on important responsibilities, including as school councillors. Pupils have opportunities to support the local community, such as providing a picnic for local volunteers. Pupils, parents and carers appreciate the wide range of clubs on offer, including beekeeping, den building, yoga, construction, squash and dance. All pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), take an active role in school life. Parents value the way in which their children are supported.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of subjects, leaders have not made clear all of the knowledge that pupils need to learn and the order in which they need to learn it. This hampers teachers' ability to provide learning for pupils that builds up their knowledge securely and in a logical order. Leaders should make sure that in all subjects, the curriculum is clearly organised for staff so that pupils are able to learn and remember the knowledge that they need from the early years to Year 6.
• The range of books that leaders have provided for older pupils is limited and does not appeal to some pupils. This restricts pupils' choice and enjoyment in reading. Leaders must ensure that pupils have as wide a range as possible of appropriate texts to choose from, so that they develop a strong love of reading.

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