Heronswood continues to be ‘Good’ but could be ‘Outstanding’

Following an Ofsted inspection in the last week of the autumn term, just before the Christmas holidays, Heronswood Primary School and Pre-school can proudly announce they continue to be a ‘Good’ school.

Not only did the school retain their ‘Good’ rating, but even more exciting is that the inspector felt the school was working beyond ‘Good’ and that there was enough evidence to suggest that they could be ‘Outstanding’ if they had a graded inspection.  As a result, when Ofsted next visit the school, a graded inspection will be carried out.

 

Why couldn’t Heronswood be graded ‘Outstanding’ during the recent inspection

When Ofsted has judged a school to be good, they normally go into the school about once every four years to confirm that the school remains good. This is called an ungraded inspection and it is carried out under section 8 of the Education Act 2005. Ofsted will not give graded judgements on an ungraded inspection. However, if they find evidence that a school would now receive a higher (or lower grade) then the next inspection will be a graded inspection, which is carried out under section 5 of the Act. Usually, this is within one to two years of the date of the ungraded inspection.

 

Headteacher Mrs Pierpoint said, “There are many sections of the report that make me exceptionally proud, but the first paragraph sums us up well; ‘Pupils learn much at Heronswood Primary School. This is because staff have high expectations. They have established an extremely well-organised curriculum. Across the school, staff give their best and expect pupils to do the same. They keep pupils very busy and encourage them to work hard. They also make sure that pupils enjoy their lessons.  Indeed, pupils bubble with enthusiasm when they talk about their learning.”

 

The report was extremely complementary with statements such as, “Strong leadership keeps everyone up to date and continues to drive improvements.”

 

All pupils are well supported, “Whatever their needs, they receive high-quality tailored support… no one is left out.”

 

Pupils were recognised for helping to create a positive culture in a school where, “bullying is uncommon”. “Pupil house captains, school councillors and well-being ambassadors all play their part in making the school a fair and happy place to be.”

 

Mrs Pierpoint said, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank my amazing team at Heronswood, who make our school such a special place for all our families. Seeing our children skip through the gates each morning, with a smile on their faces, gives us the drive and determination to strive to make their education the best it can be.”

 

Read the full report

 

About the school

Heronswood Primary School is a dynamic school in the heart of the Spennells estate in Kidderminster. The school welcomes children from 3 to 11 years old.

 

Heronswood Primary and Pre-school is a founding member of The Rivers CofE Academy Trust, established in 2014. As a family of 15 settings, we work collaboratively to encourage a lifelong love of learning. All schools eligible for Ofsted inspection have been graded ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’.

 

Further information

Head Teacher: Mrs Pierpoint

Heronswood Primary School and Pre-School

Tel: 01562 69750 (school office)

Email: hwoffice@riverscofe.co.uk

Website: https://www.heronswoodprimaryschool.co.uk

 

Natasha Ratcliffe

Marketing Manager

Email: nratcliffe@riverscofe.co.uk

Tel: 01299 851178

(Working days are Monday – Thursday)