Heathfields Infant Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school During a prolonged period of turbulence in school leadership, standards fell. However, since the appointment of the new executive headteacher, leaders have taken rapid action to improve the quality of education for pupils. Strong leadership from the executive headteacher, and her relentless drive to improve the quality of teaching, has led to good outcomes for pupils.

The quality of teaching is typically good and improving. As a result, the large majority of pupils make good progress in their learning. Occasionally, some pupils are not challenged enough in their lessons and do not achieve their full potential.

Pupils' outcomes are rising.... In 2017, the proportions of pupils who met the expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics were all above the national average. Pupils' achievement in writing is not as strong in comparison with reading and mathematics.

This is because, up until recently, the teaching of writing in key stage 1 was not tailored closely enough to pupils' individual needs. The governing body is effective. It holds leaders robustly to account for the school's performance.

Parents are, without exception, overwhelmingly positive about what the school provides for their children. They are fully supportive of the school's work. Pupils' behaviour is good.

Relationships between staff and pupils support effective learning. There is a strong sense of community throughout the school where everyone is encouraged to feel included. Children get off to a good start in the Reception classes.

Teachers promote a love of learning and help children to quickly gain in independence. They are well prepared for Year 1. The school's work to safeguard pupils is effective.

Leaders go the extra mile to support vulnerable children and their families. Most teaching assistants add good value to pupils' learning. Sometimes, a few do not have enough subject-specific knowledge to challenge pupils effectively.

Information about this school

The school meets the requirements on the publication of information on its website. This school is an average-sized infant school. Almost all pupils are White British.

A very low, although increasing, proportion of pupils speak English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils supported with a statement of special educational needs, an education, health and care plan or through special educational needs support is broadly in line with the national average. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is below the national average.

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