Mill Hill Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are quite rightly very proud of their school and all the wonderful things that they learn and experience. They receive a high-quality education across the curriculum and benefit from an incredibly rich programme of personal development.

Parents and carers are very positive about the school. One captured this, saying, 'All staff put their heart and soul into providing the best education and care for all pupils.'

The school is ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Everyone understands the staff's high expectations of pupils' learning and behaviour. Pupils, and children in the early years, ex...cel in every aspect of their education. They embrace the school's values of 'work hard, dream big and never give up'.

Pupils behave exceptionally well. They are fully attentive in lessons. They work hard without any distractions or disruption.

Pupils across the school thrive in a harmonious and caring environment. The school promotes equality and respect for everyone. Pupils have a good understanding of each other's differences and celebrate them.

They are confident that staff will swiftly resolve any concerns that they may have. Pupils are kind and caring towards one another. They feel happy and safe.

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

The school has designed an exemplary curriculum for all pupils. From the early years to Year 6, leaders have ensured that the curriculum flows seamlessly. Staff make sure that pupils get plenty of practice to revise and revisit their knowledge in different contexts.

Pupils talked enthusiastically about what they have been learning in geography, history and science. They did so articulately and confidently, demonstrating a deep understanding of what they had learned.

Staff routinely check pupils' prior knowledge across all subjects.

They build on this learning, enabling pupils to access more complex content with confidence. In lessons, teachers pick up on pupils' misconceptions and close any gaps. As a result, pupils deepen their subject-specific understanding over time.

Pupils with SEND are swiftly identified. Staff adapt learning astutely to the needs of all learners so that they receive the same carefully designed curriculum. They provide accurate targeted support for pupils with SEND.

This enables them to progress through the curriculum as well as their peers. The school's welfare, inclusion and SEND hub (WISH) provides exceptional pastoral care for pupils to ensure that there are no barriers to learning so that all pupils can flourish.

The school has cultivated a love of reading.

Pupils read widely and often. They enjoy the rewards they receive for doing so, such as receiving a book from the school's vending machine. Younger pupils practise reading with books that closely match the sounds that they have learned so that they can develop their fluency.

Staff check carefully what sounds pupils can remember and provide effective support for anyone at risk of falling behind. As a result, pupils are confident and fluent readers.

The school gives children an exceptionally strong start in the early years.

The quality of learning is evident in every activity. Adults prioritise developing children's communication and language. Children have eloquent conversations about their learning.

They are inquisitive and show high levels of concentration and engagement.

The school has rigorous systems in place to make sure that pupils attend regularly. Staff have developed strong links with parents, and everyone understands the importance of good attendance.

The school's provision for pupils' personal development is exemplary. Across the curriculum, pupils learn about different careers they may wish to pursue. Staff encourage pupils to set their sights high.

Staff go beyond the expected to develop pupils' moral qualities and prepare them exceptionally well for life in modern Britain. Supported by the trust and driven by the school's ambition to dream big, they enable pupils to take part in extraordinary experiences. For example, a group of pupils represented their school by travelling overseas to New York to make a presentation at a climate change conference.

Pupils as young leaders have put lots of their great ideas into practice. For instance, pupils supported a local care home to improve the outdoor areas through litter picking and gardening. There is a high take-up of the wide variety of after-school clubs.

These clubs help pupils to develop their talents and interests.

Governors and trustees contribute greatly to the school's drive for excellence by supporting the school to ensure that all pupils thrive academically and personally. Governors and trustees hold leaders to account effectively.

Staff receive high-quality professional development. Their workload and well-being are fully considered.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.