Heavers Farm Primary School is a welcoming and friendly institution located in South Norwood, London. The recent inspection conducted on June 14 and 15, 2023, rated the school as good across all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils play happily together, demonstrating respect and kindness. They feel safe and trust the adults to address any concerns, with instances of bullying being rare and dealt with promptly.
The leadership team has high expectations for pupil behaviour and conduct, resulting in polite and well-mannered students who take their learning seriously. Pupils are encouraged to engage confidently in discussions about their learning, although the full impact of the high-quality curriculum is still developing, as evidenced by some outcomes in the 2022 national assessments. The school prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain, celebrating diversity and teaching respect for all individuals. Older students have opportunities to take on responsibilities, such as prefect roles, enhancing their leadership skills.
Heavers Farm offers a broad and balanced curriculum, with careful consideration given to the knowledge, skills, and vocabulary that pupils need to learn from the early years onward. Teachers demonstrate good subject knowledge and present material clearly. Effective assessment practices, particularly in mathematics and early reading, help identify and address gaps in learning. The school prioritizes reading, with consistent phonics instruction and daily practice. However, there are occasions when staff do not fully focus pupils on applying their phonics knowledge during reading sessions, which can limit the effectiveness of this practice.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring they are included in all aspects of school life. Effective systems are in place to identify and address the needs of these pupils, and those with education, health, and care plans receive tailored support. However, there are instances where the support for pupils with SEND who do not have an EHC plan may not be sufficiently targeted to meet their needs.
In the early years, the curriculum is designed to prepare children for Year 1, with a well-resourced learning environment that supports their development. Activities are carefully selected to build understanding across all areas of the early years framework, with a strong emphasis on language development. Nonetheless, the consistency of adult interactions with children can vary, impacting the effectiveness of language modeling.
The school promotes personal development through a curriculum that addresses various themes each half term, such as black history and disability awareness. Pupils learn about maintaining physical and mental health, with access to support for mental well-being through the school's nurture provision.
Leaders and governors have a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. While many parents and staff express positive views about the school, there are mixed opinions that leaders are working to address. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a culture prioritizing pupil safety and well-being. Staff receive regular training, and clear procedures are in place for reporting concerns. Overall, Heavers Farm Primary School is a good school that continues to strive for excellence in education and pupil development.
