Enfield Heights Academy, located in Enfield, Middlesex, underwent an inspection on December 6 and 7, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school, which serves pupils aged 4 to 11, is part of the North Star Community Trust and is led by headteacher Justyna Powrie. The inspection highlighted the positive environment within the school, where pupils feel safe, valued, and part of a supportive community. The school's values of respect, kindness, resilience, and bravery are integral to its culture, contributing to a calm and purposeful atmosphere.
Pupils at Enfield Heights Academy demonstrate good behavior, showing politeness and respect towards one another. Incidents of bullying are rare, and pupils express confidence in seeking help from adults when needed. The school fosters high aspirations for all pupils, providing a range of opportunities that promote confidence and independence. The strong team spirit among staff enhances the support provided to pupils, leading to positive outcomes in their achievements and well-being.
The curriculum at Enfield Heights Academy is carefully designed to meet the diverse needs of pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff benefit from valuable training and support within the trust, which positively impacts their well-being and workload. Parental engagement is strong, with workshops organized to help parents support their children's learning at home. The school emphasizes phonics from the start, ensuring that pupils develop strong reading and writing skills. Teachers are well-trained in methods that help pupils catch up quickly if they fall behind, and reading spaces are designed to be inviting and engaging.
Pupils acquire secure knowledge and skills across the curriculum, thanks to the strong subject-specific knowledge of teachers. In subjects like mathematics, pupils show excitement about their learning, indicating that they retain knowledge effectively. The early years provision is also strong, with adults engaging children in effective communication interactions. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that pupils in some subjects have sufficient opportunities to revise prior knowledge, which is essential for deepening their understanding.
The school has implemented effective strategies to encourage regular attendance, resulting in improved attendance rates. Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, with low levels of disruption noted in classrooms. The emphasis on character development and personal growth is evident, with various clubs available to nurture pupils' talents. The school promotes fundamental British values, encouraging pupils to be good citizens and engage in charitable activities.
Governance at Enfield Heights Academy is effective, with trustees and advisory committee members utilizing their skills to support and challenge the school's work. Leaders ensure that ambitious goals are set for both pupils and staff, reflected in the strong academic outcomes and positive behaviors observed. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, creating a safe environment for all pupils.
While the school has many strengths, it is recommended that it focuses on enhancing the early years provision to ensure that all children build on their knowledge equally across all areas of learning. Additionally, there should be a greater emphasis on revising prior subject knowledge in recently refined subjects to support deeper learning. Overall, Enfield Heights Academy is a good school that provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
