Halsford Park Primary School, located in East Grinstead, West Sussex, underwent an inspection on November 22 and 23, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision also receiving good ratings. Notably, personal development was highlighted as outstanding. The school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in June 2017.
Pupils at Halsford Park Primary School actively engage with the school's core values of responsibility, respect, courage, and compassion. These values are integrated into daily school life, fostering an environment where students demonstrate empathy and understanding, particularly towards new classmates from diverse backgrounds. The school promotes a supportive atmosphere where pupils feel comfortable discussing their concerns, utilizing class 'worry boxes' to communicate with staff. The emphasis on high expectations for behaviour and learning is evident, with pupils understanding that bullying is not tolerated and that staff respond promptly to any incidents.
The school offers numerous leadership opportunities for pupils, who take pride in their roles on the school council and as prefects. Their voices are valued, and recent suggestions have led to changes in how pupils can seek help in lessons. The leadership team, including trustees and governors, shares a clear ambition for student achievement, leveraging expertise from the wider trust to enhance professional development for staff.
In terms of curriculum, the school has made significant strides, particularly in mathematics and reading, where many pupils achieve well by Year 6. A structured approach to learning is evident across subjects, although some recent curriculum changes in a few areas require further embedding to ensure pupils can recall key knowledge and make connections with prior learning. While younger pupils receive effective support in reading, some older students, including those who speak English as an additional language, may not receive the targeted assistance they need.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and effectively utilize subject-specific vocabulary in their instruction. They regularly assess pupils' understanding and adapt their teaching accordingly, including making necessary adjustments for students with special educational needs and disabilities. The early years curriculum is well-structured, focusing on children's developmental needs and interests, with activities designed to promote skills across all learning areas.
The school is committed to inclusion and equality of opportunity, ensuring that all pupils have access to a range of extracurricular activities. Leaders analyze participation in clubs and trips to celebrate and nurture pupils' talents and interests. Personal development is a key strength, with pupils exhibiting resilience and a positive attitude towards challenges, understanding that mistakes are part of the learning process. They are knowledgeable about different cultures and faiths, fostering a welcoming environment for all.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to identify and report concerns. Leaders diligently follow up on issues, ensuring that pupils understand how to stay safe, particularly online. The school has robust procedures in place to monitor the effectiveness of its safeguarding practices.
To improve, the school needs to focus on embedding the teaching of clearly sequenced knowledge in recently updated foundation subjects and ensure that reading interventions are more precisely targeted to address specific gaps in learning. Overall, Halsford Park Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
