Heather Avenue Infants Celebrate 'Outstanding' Praise From Ofsted

Inspectors visited the school in Hellesdon on the 8th and 9th October and also judged it as ‘Good’ for Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, and Leadership and Management.

In their report, inspectors said that ‘pupils thrive at the inclusive and caring school’ and that they are happy and enjoy learning. They also highlighted the excellent start pupils make in early years and achieve exceptionally well as they move through the school, particularly in the core subjects: reading, writing and mathematics.

Inspectors also said:

• “The school has put in place a broad, ambitious and exciting curriculum.”
• “Reading is at the heart of the school curriculum.” 
• “Pupils become confident, fluent readers. There is a love of reading evident across the school.”
• “There are positive relationships between staff and pupils. Pupils are well cared for. They
• have many adults in school they can talk to if they are worried.”
• “Children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), become
• independent, curious, and confident learners. This supports children to achieve exceptionally well in early years.”
• “Pupils behave well. Most have excellent attitudes to learning. At break and lunchtime, pupils behave sensibly.”
• “The school’s personal, social and health education programme is a priority.”
• “From an early age, pupils think deeply and learn about right and wrong in the world around them.”
• “A range of popular activities enhance pupils’ broader personal development. All pupils,  including those that are disadvantaged, can access activities such as tennis, dance and  outdoor learning.” 

In the report, inspectors praised the school’s support for pupils with SEND, highlighting that they progress through the curriculum well with teachers accurately identifying how to overcome pupils’ barriers to learning. They added that lesson adaptations mean that most pupils with SEND are successful in accessing the same curriculum as their peers, and where pupils need something more individual, this is provided without delay. 

Safeguarding arrangements at the school were found to be effective.

Stacey Coleman, Headteacher, said: “I am delighted that Ofsted recognise what we already celebrate about our school; that we are inclusive and caring, and that our pupils thrive. We are proud of the strong relationships we have with all our pupils, and it is those relationships which enable us to support and nurture their personal development. 

“I am particularly pleased that inspectors acknowledged the importance we place on reading and how it is enjoyed throughout the school. This is strengthened by our work through the Wensum English Hub.

“Heather Avenue is a small school with very big ambitions and this report reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff. I would like to thank them, along with our parents and children, for helping our school stand out as a wonderful place to work and learn.”  

Daniel Thrower, CEO of the Wensum Trust, said: “I would like to congratulate Stacey and her team on an excellent Ofsted inspection. I have seen the incredible work which has led to the school being judged as ‘Outstanding’ in Early Years and Personal Development and it is well deserved. 

“I am pleased inspectors acknowledge that the Wensum Trust and local governors know the school well and that we offer a balance of support and challenge; visiting the school regularly to monitor provision. They also recognised how staff benefit from the training offered by the school and wider trust. 

“Well done to everyone involved and I am looking forward to seeing Heather Avenue Infant School build and grow on its success.”

You can read the full report by clicking on  the link below.