Heath Mount Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a school that requires improvement Following the last inspection, pupils' outcomes declined. Over the past two years, too few pupils have reached the expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics. As a result of teaching that does not meet pupils' learning needs sufficiently well, many pupils have gaps in their knowledge and skills.

The legacy of underachievement has not yet been eradicated. The quality of teaching, learning and assessment is not yet consistently good across the school. The school does not yet have its own governing body.

This is currently under review. The current school development plan is overly long and does not have clear... timescales for improvement. The most able pupils are not routinely challenged sufficiently in all classes.

As a result, too few pupils currently reach the higher standards Expectations are still too low. Basic errors in spelling, handwriting and punctuation often go unchecked. The current curriculum lacks depth.

Pupils do not fully develop their knowledge and understanding across a wide range of subjects. The school has the following strengths The new headteacher is highly ambitious for the school. She leads with drive and determination.

She has empowered other leaders and things are improving rapidly. Across the school, teaching is improving and pupils are making increased progress. Standards are rising.

The teaching of phonics is effective and progress in reading is improving. As a result, more pupils are reaching the standards expected. Pupils get a good start to school.

They make good progress in Reception. Pupils are polite and well mannered. They get along well with each other.

They are proud of their school. Attendance is good. Pupils enjoy coming to school.

Very few are absent from school. Arrangements to keep pupils safe are effective. Robust systems and procedures are now in place.

Parents and carers say that their children are safe and well cared for at school.

Information about this school

The school is larger than the average-sized primary school. A new headteacher and a large majority of teachers joined the school in September 2018.

In January 2017, an IEB was established by the local authority and currently oversees the work of the school. A large majority of pupils are from minority ethnic groups and most of these pupils speak English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium is much higher than that found nationally.

The proportion of pupils with SEND is above average. The school does not have a Nursery. The early years foundation stage consists of two full-time Reception classes.