Handsworth Primary School, located in Highams Park, London, has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection on June 20 and 21, 2023. The school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in May 2018. The overall effectiveness of the school, along with the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, has all been rated as good.
Pupils at Handsworth Primary School express enjoyment in attending school and take pride in being part of the school community. The school places a strong emphasis on inclusion, ensuring that all pupils feel welcome, valued, and confident in expressing themselves. Positive relationships between pupils and staff contribute significantly to the supportive environment, fostering a sense of safety and trust. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve well due to the high expectations set by the school leaders. The school's ethos is built around the four Cs: consideration, cooperation, courtesy, and care, which are evident in the interactions among pupils.
The classrooms are calm, and disruptions to learning are rare. Staff are adept at managing behavior, particularly for pupils with additional needs, and they build positive relationships with individual students. Pupils report that bullying is infrequent, and they trust staff to address any issues promptly and effectively. The school offers a variety of leadership opportunities and enriching experiences that enhance the curriculum, and parents and carers express confidence in the school's leadership.
The curriculum at Handsworth Primary School is broad and well-structured, aligning with the national curriculum's ambitions. The school's vision that all children can succeed is evident throughout the school. From the early years, pupils demonstrate eagerness to learn, engaging actively in their education and showing independence and curiosity. Reading is prioritized, with a strong phonics program in place that helps children develop their reading skills effectively. Teachers monitor pupils' progress closely, providing tailored support to ensure that all students can catch up if they fall behind.
While the school has made recent improvements to the curriculum in certain subjects to ensure that knowledge and skills are built sequentially, there are still areas where some pupils have not fully secured key knowledge over time. Leaders are encouraged to embed these recent changes through ongoing staff training and support to deepen pupils' understanding in these subjects.
The school has established a robust culture of safeguarding, with leaders aware of local concerns and providing regular updates to staff. The curriculum includes opportunities for pupils to learn about safeguarding, preparing them for transitions, such as moving to secondary school.
Overall, Handsworth Primary School demonstrates a commitment to high standards in education and personal development. The leadership team is ambitious for all pupils, ensuring that they receive the support they need to thrive academically and socially. The school community is characterized by strong relationships, a focus on inclusion, and a dedication to fostering a safe and nurturing environment for all students.
