Heasandford Primary School in Burnley, Lancashire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on March 5 and 6, 2024. The school prioritizes the well-being of its pupils, fostering positive relationships between staff and students that create a safe and happy environment. Pupils are encouraged to express their concerns through initiatives like the worry box, ensuring that they feel supported and understood. The school demonstrates a strong understanding of the community it serves, maintaining high expectations for all pupils, including those who speak English as an additional language and those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Behaviour expectations are clearly communicated and understood by all pupils, including those in early years. The school effectively supports pupils in managing their emotions, contributing to a positive atmosphere where rules are consistently followed. Pupils express enthusiasm for the diverse range of extracurricular activities available, such as choir and various sports, and they take pride in their roles within the school community, including positions on the school council.
Since the last inspection, the school has made significant improvements to its curriculum, clearly identifying key knowledge and the timeline for learning from early years onward. Staff deliver this ambitious curriculum consistently, resulting in good achievement across most subjects. However, in a few subjects, assessment strategies are less effective, leading to gaps in pupils' foundational knowledge. The school is aware of these areas and is working to enhance its assessment practices to ensure all pupils have a secure understanding before progressing.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading from the start of the Reception class. Pupils enjoy accessing well-resourced libraries and are encouraged to read widely. Recent changes to the teaching of reading have proven effective, with most pupils, including those with SEND, becoming confident readers by the end of key stage one. Despite some published outcomes indicating lower performance in phonics and reading standards, these do not accurately reflect the strength of the current curriculum.
Attendance is another area of focus for the school, which takes proactive measures to improve attendance rates among pupils. The school communicates effectively with parents about the importance of regular attendance and the negative impact of extended leave during term time. As a result, attendance has significantly improved, and the number of persistently absent pupils has decreased.
The school excels in promoting positive attitudes towards learning and supporting the broader development of its pupils. Through various trips and visits from guest speakers, pupils gain valuable experiences that enhance their understanding of British values and prepare them for life in modern Britain. The governing body plays an active role in supporting and challenging the school to improve further, while also considering staff well-being in the implementation of curriculum changes.
The safeguarding arrangements at Heasandford Primary School are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare is prioritized. Overall, the school is committed to continuous improvement and is well-positioned to address the areas identified for development, particularly in enhancing assessment strategies in specific subjects to ensure all pupils achieve their full potential.
