Heathmere Primary School, located in Roehampton, London, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness as a good school. The leadership and management of the school are characterized by caring and passionate leaders who have established a nurturing and safe environment for students. The school has made significant strides in reducing exclusions and improving attendance, which reflects the commitment of the leadership team. The curriculum is enriched through various after-school activities, clubs, and educational visits, providing students with a well-rounded educational experience. The governing body plays an essential role in supporting and challenging the school, demonstrating a strong understanding of its operations.
The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment at Heathmere is also rated as good. Teachers effectively utilize assessments to inform their planning and engage students in lively and stimulating activities. The teaching of early reading and mathematics is particularly strong, contributing to the good progress made by pupils. The school fosters positive attitudes towards learning, and students are encouraged to develop resilience and a willingness to improve. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in writing tasks in key stage two, where some assignments do not adequately match pupils' abilities or provide sufficient challenge.
Personal development, behavior, and welfare of pupils are key strengths of the school. Pupils are taught the importance of respect, resilience, and high expectations, which are reflected in their positive interactions with one another and with staff. The school promotes a strong sense of community and friendship, and pupils feel safe and supported. The behavior of students is generally good, with effective management strategies in place to maintain a positive learning environment. Attendance has improved, although it remains slightly below the national average.
Outcomes for pupils are good, with effective teaching helping students to make strong progress from their starting points. The school successfully addresses the diverse needs of its pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The teaching of phonics is particularly effective, leading to high standards in reading by the end of Year 1. In mathematics, pupils demonstrate confidence and a range of skills, thanks to the structured approach to teaching. However, there are still challenges in writing, particularly in ensuring that all pupils achieve the expected standards in punctuation, grammar, and spelling.
The early years provision at Heathmere is also rated as good. Children enter the school with skills that are typically below those expected for their age, but they make good progress due to the supportive and engaging environment created by staff. The curriculum is broad and stimulating, promoting children's imagination and creativity. Staff effectively teach phonics, which helps children develop their reading and writing skills early on. Relationships between staff and children are positive, fostering a sense of security and well-being.
Overall, Heathmere Primary School is a good school that provides a nurturing and effective learning environment for its pupils. The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement, and the school is well-positioned to address the areas identified for further development. The strong emphasis on personal development, positive behavior, and effective teaching contributes to the good outcomes achieved by pupils, ensuring that they are well-prepared for their future educational journeys.
