Harris Junior Academy Carshalton

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils have a genuine passion for learning. They benefit from the highly aspirational curriculum that is enriched with carefully designed and purposeful experiences.

Pupils flourish in this safe and positive environment, where they are expected to achieve their best. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive the guidance and support they need to be successful. By the end of key stage 2, pupils achieve exceptionally well.

Behaviour in classrooms and around the school is excellent. Pupils understand what is expected of them. They demonstrate high levels of self-discipline because they know this is 'the right thing to do'.

Pupils l...earn the importance of valuable character traits such as taking responsibility and collaboration. This ensures that pupils are well prepared for the next stage of education and life in modern Britain. Many pupils shared high aspirations for their future occupations.

Pupils are proud of the difference they make to each other, their families and the local community. For instance, Year 6 pupils take the lead in organising support for various charities. The school's 'community hub' provides food, toiletries and clothing to those who may be in need of help.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The curriculum is extremely ambitious with clearly defined end points. Staff have broken down key content in all subjects. This helps pupils to build a wealth of subject-specific knowledge and depth of understanding.

The school works closely with experts in the trust to provide a systematic programme of professional development for staff. This supports teachers to know the knowledge and skills that pupils need to understand and remember. Teachers deliver the curriculum with consistency.

They ensure that pupils revisit and build on their prior learning very well. For example, in mathematics, pupils apply their understanding of operations to complete calculations, including fractions in Year 6. Teachers skilfully use a range of techniques to adapt teaching to cater to the range of pupils in the class.

As a result, pupils with SEND are well supported in accessing and achieving the high ambitions of the curriculum.

Promoting the love of reading is a priority. Adults model reading daily during story times, using a range of carefully selected books and rich texts.

Pupils receive targeted support in learning how to decode unfamiliar words accurately. They apply reading skills, such as skimming and scanning, to retrieve information and interpret the authors' intentions in texts. Pupils become confident and competent readers.

There is a comprehensive approach to extending pupils' vocabulary awareness. Writing in books is extensive and of a high quality.

The school is highly effective in ensuring that pupils attend school regularly and on time.

This is because pupils, parents and carers recognise the high-quality education here. Pupils consistently demonstrate high levels of motivation. They concentrate intensely on what is being taught.

Learning goes uninterrupted. Pupils are respectful and kind towards each other and adults. They feel valued and cared for.

The school celebrates differences and diversity. Pupils learn about the importance of equality of opportunity. Staff help pupils to explore a wide range of significant people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

For instance, pupils learn about artists from around the world and the contributions that they have made to society. The curriculum is enriched by an extensive programme of extra-curricular opportunities for all pupils. These include residential visits, clubs, sporting tournaments and competitions.

Pupils are proud to represent their school. They take their responsibilities seriously, such as being play leaders, mental health ambassadors and eco-warriors. The school nurtures and develop pupils' talents and interests.

Pupils are well prepared for the next stage of education and life in modern Britain.

Staff value the strong teamwork in the school and the partnerships across the trust. The school greatly considers the well-being of staff and pupils.

Leaders make reasonable adjustments to enable staff to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Those responsible for governance fulfil their statutory duties well. They offer challenge and support in holding leaders to account.

The school is highly effective in the pursuit of excellence. This is realised through the provision of a high-quality education that enables all pupils to succeed.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.