Heathlands Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School in West Bergholt has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 23 and 24, 2024. The school fosters a positive and caring environment where pupils are notably happy and eager to attend. Parents appreciate the nurturing atmosphere and feel integrated into a welcoming community. The pupils exhibit confidence, politeness, and good behavior, understanding the boundaries set by the school. There is a strong stance against bullying and discrimination, with a clear message that all backgrounds are welcomed. Pupils feel safe and know they can rely on trusted adults for support.
The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Its vision of Helping everyone shine their light is evident in the curriculum, which offers diverse learning opportunities beyond the standard curriculum. Pupils engage in various extracurricular activities, such as French, cheerleading, and sports clubs, with a significant majority participating regularly. They also enjoy taking on responsibilities, such as serving as school captains.
The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all pupils, beginning in the early years and progressing logically. In most subjects, pupils build on prior knowledge effectively, enhancing their understanding and retention. However, in a few subjects, the specific knowledge to be learned is not as clearly defined, which can hinder teachers' ability to plan lessons that effectively build on pupils' knowledge over time. Teachers generally adapt lessons well for different groups, but there are instances where adaptations are not made quickly enough, leading to some pupils finding the work either too easy or too challenging.
Reading is a key focus for the school, with pupils visiting the library weekly to select books for home reading. The phonics program is effective, enabling pupils to read with increasing confidence as they learn new sounds. Support is provided for those who struggle to keep pace, ensuring they can catch up quickly. The early years curriculum is well-structured, prioritizing communication and language, and staff carefully select activities to engage children.
Pupils with special educational needs receive effective support, with their needs identified and addressed promptly. The curriculum and environment are adapted to ensure these pupils can learn alongside their peers, fostering their confidence and independence. Attendance is a priority, with the school actively monitoring data to address any concerns swiftly.
Personal development is emphasized, with pupils understanding the importance of physical and mental health. The school offers various extracurricular clubs and meaningful educational visits that relate to the curriculum. Staff express pride in their work and appreciate the professional development and well-being support provided. The governing body is knowledgeable and actively evaluates the school's performance to identify areas for improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school is encouraged to clarify the essential knowledge in certain subjects to enhance teaching effectiveness. Additionally, there is a need for teachers to adapt the curriculum more effectively to ensure consistent learning success across all subjects. Overall, Heathlands Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
