Ofsted conducted a short inspection of High Green Primary School on 12 June 2019, following its previous judgment of good in April 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team has effectively implemented systems to ensure high educational standards, collaborating with local headteachers and external consultants for regular school reviews. This proactive approach has enabled leaders to identify and address areas for improvement, thereby enhancing pupil progress and standards.
Governors play an active role in school improvement, closely monitoring new initiatives and engaging with the school community. They visit classrooms and review pupils' work to verify reported improvements. However, it was noted that the school’s website lacked some required information at the time of the inspection, indicating a need for better oversight in this area.
The provision for pupils with special educational needs is particularly commendable. Leaders have adapted to the increasing number of pupils with complex needs, ensuring that teaching assistants provide high-quality support. This inclusive approach allows all pupils to engage and learn effectively. The school has also established the ‘Rainbow Network’ to support parents of children with autism, fostering a community where they can share experiences and challenges.
Pupil feedback is valued and has led to changes in teaching practices, particularly in reading. The school has introduced a new approach for older, more able readers, allowing them to select from a curated range of books. Leaders emphasize the importance of teaching pupils to be good citizens, integrating personal, social, and health education into the curriculum. Pupils participate in various activities that promote personal development, including caring for class pets and supporting charities.
The leadership team, including the deputy headteacher, presents a strong front, creating a welcoming environment where staff feel valued and supported. This positive atmosphere contributes to high levels of pupil happiness and engagement in learning. Parents express satisfaction with the school, highlighting the approachable staff and the inclusive environment.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with regular updates and training for staff to ensure pupil safety. The school has established a strong culture of safeguarding, with effective policies and procedures in place. Pupils report feeling safe and are aware of how to seek help if needed. The school’s evacuation plan is thorough, ensuring the safety of all, including class pets.
The inspection focused on the impact of middle leaders on standards, curriculum planning, and support for disadvantaged pupils. Middle leaders are positively influencing standards, particularly in mathematics, where targeted training has improved teaching quality. The curriculum has been enhanced to provide a broad and balanced education, although there is a need for clearer identification of knowledge to be learned across subjects.
Writing standards have improved significantly, with initiatives like ‘Awesome Writing’ engaging pupils and fostering a love for the subject. The school is now focusing on enhancing reading standards, with a wide selection of books available to pupils. Phonics teaching has also seen improvements, leading to more children reaching expected standards.
Overall, progress rates in reading, writing, and mathematics are improving for all groups, with careful tracking of disadvantaged pupils ensuring timely support. Attendance is above the national average, although efforts are needed to improve attendance among disadvantaged pupils. The school is encouraged to ensure its website is compliant, improve attendance for disadvantaged pupils, and enhance curriculum planning to support knowledge retention.
