A South Bristol school which was previously rated as ‘Outstanding’ across the board prior to opening as an academy has now received an Ofsted report which suggests that it is a good school rather than outstanding. Headley Park Primary School, in Bishopsworth, was rated as good in four areas and outstanding in the other.
No overall judgement was given due to changes in the way Ofsted reports on schools, however the categories have been given judgements. The primary school on Headley Lane, with 429 pupils and a pre-school provision, is part of the Cathedral Schools Trust.
The report described the school as “inclusive and welcoming”. The school has high expectations for pupils, which are met by the pupils.
The report said: “The school promotes positive behaviour, pupils are polite and well mannered. They confidently recite the school’s ‘kindness pledge’ and understand how this helps them to be understanding of others. Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school.
“Pupils feel safe, they build warm and respectful relationships with adults. Pupils know they can speak to trusted adults, such as a member of the ‘safeguarding team’ or use ‘worry boxes’ to share any worries or concerns.”
The school provides experiences which go “beyond the academic curriculum”, including having a range of clubs and leadership opportunities, pupils told inspectors that the roles gives them confidence and makes them feel trusted.
The new headteacher, who was appointed in September, has brought stability to the school using the support of the Trust. An “ambitious” curriculum helps identify precise knowledge that pupils need to learn all the way through the school.
Headley Park Primary offers “exceptional” support towards pupils’ personal development, pupils develop a mature understanding of equality and diversity, future careers are the subject of events organised by the school, and character is developed within pupils using the ‘Headley Park passport’.
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The report said: “Reading is central to the school’s work. If pupils fall behind, they receive the support they need to help them to catch up quickly. Older pupils talk confidently about how the texts they listen to and read ‘increases the words they know’ and helps them ‘to find out more about the world they live in.’
“The school’s mathematics curriculum is designed and sequenced well, with teachers routinely checking on what pupils know. This helps pupils to build their mathematical understanding.
“Pupils learn well in most wider curriculum subjects. However, in some other subjects, staff do not yet have the secure subject knowledge they need to deliver the curriculum effectively. As a result, some pupils have gaps in their knowledge and do not build on what they already know.”
The early years curriculum is designed well, according to Ofsted. Most staff provide opportunities for children to develop skills and knowledge, however some activities and adult interactions do not develop learning well enough. The report added: “This means that some children do not develop their knowledge and skills as quickly as they should.“
The report said: “The school has put in place clear systems to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff adapt learning to meet the needs of pupils with SEND. As a result, most pupils with SEND develop their understanding of the curriculum alongside their peers.”
Ofsted also praised pupils for displaying “positive attitudes to their learning”, where they are eager to talk about their favourite lessons. Pupils behave well during social times and enjoy the activities on offer. The primary school has clear procedures for attendance and works closely with families to improve attendance when required.
Local governors and trustees have a clear vision for the school and hold the school to account. The staff at the school told inspectors about the positive team spirit and values the support from the Trust. Parents and carers commenced positively about the role the school plays in the local community and for the care they provide to its pupils.
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