Harris Primary Academy Orpington

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Strong leadership is instrumental in the school's success. Leaders and managers, including the trust and governors, refuse to accept second best. They have worked together to improve the quality of teaching and pupils' achievements and behaviour over the past three years.

Leaders are accurate in their evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the school. They use this information to take the correct action to drive further improvement. Leaders monitor pupils' progress in reading, writing and mathematics routinely, so they can quickly support those pupils who need to catch up.

Current pupils from early years to Year 6, including disadv...antaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are achieving well. Governors are effective because they know the school well and stringently hold leaders to account for the progress pupils make. Pupils are safe.

Staff care for pupils. Adults respond well to pupils' welfare needs and ensure that pupils are well looked after. The family support worker is instrumental in providing tailored support for pupils' emotional needs.

Safeguarding is effective. Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school. Their behaviour and attitudes to learning reflect the values of the school.

The curriculum is broad and balanced. It provides pupils with rich experiences that make learning enjoyable. Good leadership of the early years ensures that children achieve well and are prepared for learning in key stage 1.

Sometimes, teachers do not use assessment information or plan work well enough to set sufficiently challenging work for pupils, particularly the most able pupils. Some middle leaders are not rigorous or precise enough in carrying out their responsibilities. They are not effective at measuring the impact of their work on pupils' outcomes.

Parents and carers have mixed perceptions of the school because there are inconsistencies in how the school communicates with them and the community.

Information about this school

In September 2016, the school joined the Harris Federation. The headteacher was appointed to her post in May 2018.

Harris Primary Academy Orpington is an above average-sized primary school. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is above average. The proportion of pupils with SEND and those who are disadvantaged is above average.