Barrow Hedges Primary School, located in Carshalton, Surrey, has recently undergone an inspection that has resulted in an outstanding overall effectiveness rating. The inspection took place on July 18 and 19, 2023, and the school has shown remarkable progress since its previous inspection, which rated it as good. The school is characterized by its inclusive, kind, and friendly environment, where pupils take pride in being part of the community. Positive and respectful relationships are evident among pupils and staff, starting from the early years, where children learn to collaborate effectively. This strong foundation contributes to exemplary behavior among pupils, who understand the importance of acceptance and safety within the school.
The leadership at Barrow Hedges is highly ambitious, focusing on both academic and personal development for all pupils. The curriculum is rich and engaging, allowing pupils to produce high-quality work across various subjects. The school’s values of kindness, inclusion, honesty, respect, and ambition are embodied by the pupils, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future educational endeavors. Additionally, the school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, such as knitting, gymnastics, choir, dance, and positivity programs, which help pupils explore their interests and take on responsibilities, including roles as digital leaders.
The curriculum is designed to be rigorous and ambitious, with a clear sequence of important knowledge identified in each subject. This approach allows pupils to deepen their understanding over time. For instance, in design and technology, pupils learn safe food preparation techniques, which they build upon as they progress to more complex cooking tasks. Similarly, in science, early years pupils learn about animal features, which lays the groundwork for later classification and life cycle studies. Assessment practices are effective, enabling teachers to identify and address misconceptions promptly, thereby enhancing pupils' understanding across the curriculum.
Reading is prioritized at Barrow Hedges, with a strong emphasis on phonics and comprehension. Nursery children engage in sound recognition activities, which are supported by a well-structured phonics program. All staff are trained to be proficient in teaching reading, ensuring that pupils practice with books that match their reading abilities. This approach fosters confident and fluent readers, with timely interventions in place for those requiring additional support. The school celebrates reading through dedicated assemblies, reinforcing its importance in the pupils' education.
The provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is commendable. Leaders swiftly identify these pupils and collaborate with external agencies to provide appropriate support. Staff are well-informed about the needs of these pupils and make necessary adaptations to ensure they can access the ambitious curriculum alongside their peers.
Barrow Hedges excels in promoting pupils' personal development through a variety of well-designed activities and experiences. Recent initiatives included trips to France and Belgium, where pupils participated in commemorative events. Philosophy sessions encourage pupils to engage in meaningful discussions, helping them articulate their ideas and respect differing viewpoints. The exemplary behavior of pupils is attributed to their understanding of established routines, and leaders have effective systems in place to support regular attendance.
Staff at the school appreciate the professional development opportunities provided by leaders, which help them manage their workload and well-being. The leadership team, along with the governing body, possesses a thorough understanding of the school's effectiveness and is committed to further enhancing the educational experience for all pupils.
The safeguarding arrangements at Barrow Hedges are effective, with all staff receiving appropriate training to recognize and address pupils' needs. Leaders are proactive in reporting concerns and collaborating with external agencies to secure necessary support for pupils and their families. The curriculum includes essential lessons on safety, healthy relationships, and online safety, empowering pupils to voice their concerns through various channels.
Overall, Barrow Hedges Primary School stands out for its commitment to excellence in education, personal development, and safeguarding, making it a highly regarded institution within the community.
