Lower Heath CofE Primary School, located in Prees, Whitchurch, Shropshire, has recently undergone an inspection, receiving an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place from September 19 to 20, 2023, and evaluated various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as good. The headteacher, Helen Reynolds, leads the school, which is part of the Marches Multi Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Sarah Finch and a board of trustees chaired by Alex Fry.
The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming atmosphere where staff are dedicated and knowledgeable about their pupils and their families. This strong relationship fosters a nurturing environment that pupils appreciate. The school’s core values of love, faith, respect, fellowship, and thankfulness are integral to its operations, promoting a sense of community among pupils, especially in mixed-aged classes.
Leaders at Lower Heath are ambitious for their pupils and have recently revamped the curriculum, particularly focusing on reading. This initiative has led to a growing culture of reading within the school, supported by new learning environments, including a forest school. These enhancements have positively impacted pupils, especially those in the early years, by broadening their learning opportunities.
Pupil behavior is commendable, with students demonstrating respect and understanding of the value of their education. They feel secure in approaching staff with any concerns, confident that issues will be addressed promptly. The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, and the commitment to continuous improvement is evident among staff, who work collaboratively towards shared goals.
The curriculum has been thoughtfully redeveloped, ensuring that knowledge builds progressively across subjects, which aids in pupil success. Although recent outcomes for key stage two pupils were low, the revised curriculum's impact observed during the inspection suggests a more positive trajectory. Staff development has been prioritized to enhance subject knowledge, enabling teachers to select appropriate activities that support pupil learning. However, in some foundation subjects, teachers occasionally lack the necessary subject knowledge to tailor activities effectively, which can hinder pupil progress.
Assessment practices are generally effective, with teachers checking pupil understanding and intervening when necessary, particularly in early years mathematics. However, in some subjects, assessment is not always precise enough to identify and address learning gaps, which can impede progress. The phonics curriculum is well-structured, with staff delivering it expertly, allowing pupils to make significant progress in reading.
The school is also committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that their needs are identified and addressed effectively. Staff work closely with families and external agencies to provide tailored support, resulting in sound progress for these pupils.
Personal development initiatives are promising, with a focus on celebrating diversity and fostering a sense of social responsibility among pupils. The school encourages participation in fundraising events and offers a range of extracurricular clubs, although there is a need to broaden these opportunities to better align with pupil interests.
The safeguarding arrangements at Lower Heath are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is encouraged to continue enhancing subject knowledge among teachers and to refine assessment practices to close learning gaps. Additionally, expanding the range of extracurricular activities will further support pupils' personal development. Overall, Lower Heath CofE Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
