Ofsted praise for Heather Avenue school

Heather Avenue Infant School has been praised by Ofsted for providing ‘Outstanding’ Early Years provision and Personal Development for its pupils.

Inspectors visited the school in Hellesdon in October and also judged it as ‘Good’ for Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, and Leadership and Management.

In their report, inspectors said that ‘pupils thrive at the inclusive and caring school’ and that they are happy and enjoy learning. They also highlighted the excellent start pupils make in early years and achieve exceptionally well as they move through the school, particularly in the core subjects: reading, writing and mathematics.

Inspectors also said:

“The school has put in place a broad, ambitious and exciting curriculum.”

“Reading is at the heart of the school curriculum.” 

“Pupils become confident, fluent readers. There is a love of reading evident across the school.”

“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.”

“Children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), become

independent, curious, and confident learners. This supports children to achieve exceptionally well in early years.”

“Pupils behave well. Most have excellent attitudes to learning. At break and lunchtime, pupils behave sensibly.”

“The school’s personal, social and health education programme is a priority.”

“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 that are disadvantaged, can access activities such as tennis, dance and  outdoor learning.” 

In the report, inspectors praised the school’s support for pupils with SEND, highlighting that they progress through the curriculum well with teachers accurately identifying how to overcome pupils’ barriers to learning. They added that lesson adaptations mean that most pupils with SEND are successful in accessing the same curriculum as their peers, and where pupils need something more individual, this is provided without delay.

Safeguarding arrangements at the school were found to be effective.

Stacey Coleman, Headteacher, said: “I am delighted that Ofsted recognise what we already celebrate about our school; that we are inclusive and caring, and that our pupils thrive. We are proud of the strong relationships we have with all our pupils, and it is those relationships which enable us to support and nurture their personal development.