Harbinger Primary School, located on Cahir Street in London, has recently undergone an inspection on the 23rd and 24th of November 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, reflecting significant improvements since the previous inspection, which had rated the school as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management have all been rated as good, while early years provision has been rated as outstanding.
The school fosters a welcoming culture where staff are deeply attuned to the needs of their pupils. Positive relationships between staff and students contribute to a strong sense of community, making pupils feel happy, safe, and valued. High expectations are set for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This inclusive approach is evident even in the early years, where there are no barriers to children's achievements. Pupils exhibit enthusiasm for learning, kindness, and good behavior both in lessons and throughout the school environment. They actively contribute to maintaining a positive atmosphere through roles such as anti-bullying ambassadors and playground buddies.
Harbinger Primary School provides a rich array of cultural experiences through annual outings to museums, galleries, and places of worship. Pupils also have opportunities to develop leadership skills through participation in the student council, eco leaders, and the school newspaper, the Harbinger Chronicle. The curriculum is ambitious and designed to build knowledge over time, with a particular focus on developing language and communication skills in early years. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and adapt their teaching to support pupils with diverse needs, ensuring that all students can access the curriculum effectively.
Despite these strengths, there are areas for improvement. Occasionally, misconceptions among pupils are not addressed promptly, which can hinder their ability to retain knowledge in the long term. The school recognizes the need to enhance the expertise of all teachers to ensure that gaps in understanding are identified and addressed in a timely manner. The phonics program is a priority, with staff trained to support pupils who may fall behind, ensuring effective catch-up strategies are in place.
Pupils display a passion for reading, engaging with a wide range of books daily. The school has implemented workshops for parents to help them support their children's reading at home. Attendance is high, supported by robust procedures and close collaboration with parents. The personal development program is well-structured, teaching pupils about safety and health, and offering a variety of extracurricular clubs, including chess, computing, and sports. External speakers frequently visit to discuss topics such as financial literacy and road safety.
The leadership team prioritizes the well-being of staff, fostering strong relationships with parents and the local community. The governing body effectively understands the school's strengths and challenges, providing appropriate support and challenge to school leaders. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
In summary, Harbinger Primary School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, demonstrating a commitment to providing a high-quality education for all pupils. The school is well-positioned to continue its development, with a clear focus on addressing areas for improvement while maintaining its strengths in fostering a positive learning environment.
