Heathfield Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

The clear and determined approach of senior leaders unites the school community. The school's continuing journey of improvement is largely due to the way leaders at all levels consider the needs of individual pupils. Pupils achieve well because leaders check rigorously that they are doing as well as they should.

Leaders respond quickly if any pupils fall behind. Standards in writing and mathematics were above average in 2013. The quality of teaching has improved since the previous inspection, particularly in reading.

Leaders have a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of staff and provide support and training where... these are needed. Pupils are now making good progress in reading because of the action school leaders have taken. Pupils' behaviour is good.

Relationships between pupils, their peers and adults are positive. This is because everyone is expected to abide by the 'Heathfield Way'. Pupils feel very safe in school because they are taught about many different aspects of safety.

The school goes the extra mile in reaching out to support those in need. Staff morale is high. School leaders have built a committed team that is determined to continue raising standards and increasing rates of pupils' progress.

Governors increasingly challenge school leaders to improve outcomes for pupils by checking the progress that groups of pupils make. Attendance has improved significantly since the last inspection and is above average. The number of pupils who are persistently absent has reduced dramatically.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : There is not enough outstanding teaching. Although teachers mark work regularly, they do not always check that pupils have acted on their comments. Teachers do not make the best use of time in some lessons.

As a result, a fewpupils make less progress than they could.

Information about this school

This school is larger than the average-sized primary school. Building work is currently taking place to provide accommodation for the school's growing numbers.

The Heathfield Junior Language Unit provides 10 places for pupils needing specialist support for speech and communication. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is well above average as is the proportion who speak English as an additional language. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported at school action is above average.

The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also above average. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium funding is well above average. This is additional government funding provided to schools to support pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals and those in local authority care.

The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. The school site is used by a club for children before and after school, but this is not managed by the governing body and is inspected separately. A consultation is currently taking place about the planned federation with Heathfield Infant School, where the headteacher is currently the interim head.

Also at this postcode