Heymann Primary and Nursery School, located in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, has recently undergone an inspection on October 1 and 2, 2024. The school has received commendable ratings across various categories, including good for the quality of education, leadership and management, and outstanding for behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision. The headteacher, Lynda Noble, leads the school, which is part of The Equals Trust, overseen by CEO Philip Palmer and a board of trustees chaired by Peter Foale.
The school prides itself on creating a welcoming environment where every pupil is known exceptionally well. The community is often referred to as the Heymann family, highlighting the strong relationships built on kindness and respect among staff, pupils, and parents. Older pupils take on roles as peer mentors, ensuring the well-being of their peers during social times. This supportive atmosphere fosters enthusiastic learners who are resilient and determined, even when faced with challenges. The high expectations set by the leaders prepare pupils well for their future educational journeys, with Year 6 pupils achieving commendable results upon leaving the school.
From the early years, children exhibit politeness and consideration for one another. The school maintains a calm and purposeful learning environment, supported by exemplary behaviour from pupils who strive to earn recognition through the school's reward system. Parents and carers express high regard for the school, praising the approachable staff who prioritize the safety and well-being of their children.
The curriculum at Heymann Primary is ambitious, broad, and balanced, with a clear focus on essential knowledge. The curriculum is logically sequenced, allowing pupils to build their learning progressively. For instance, in mathematics, children in Nursery engage with number songs, while those in Year 6 tackle long division confidently. Staff demonstrate secure subject knowledge and design lessons that effectively facilitate learning. Regular checks on pupils' understanding help address misconceptions promptly, contributing to the school's success. The school has established clear systems to identify and support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they thrive across the curriculum.
Reading is a priority at Heymann Primary, with a strong emphasis on its importance throughout the school. Children in the early years enjoy story-time and receive targeted support to help them keep pace with their reading. The school implements a phonics programme that is closely followed, ensuring that all pupils, including those for whom English is an additional language, receive the necessary support to access the curriculum effectively.
Leaders are committed to excellence, providing staff with regular training to enhance their teaching skills. While the school has systems in place to review its work, there are areas for improvement in identifying key areas for further development in the curriculum. Some subjects may not reflect the high-quality written work seen in English.
The personal development opportunities offered to pupils are exceptional, equipping them with skills to become responsible citizens. They engage in various activities, including the junior road safety team and school council, and learn about fundamental British values. The extensive range of clubs and activities available fosters a sense of community and encourages pupils to support local charities and care for their well-being.
The trust and governors work collaboratively with school leaders, providing effective support and challenge. Staff appreciate the approachable nature of the leadership team and agree that the school is a positive place to work. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, Heymann Primary and Nursery School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and nurturing environment for its pupils.
