Hill Mead Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Senior leaders have established effective systems to raise standards after a decline in Year 6 outcomes since the previous inspection.

Pupils in all year groups are now making better progress. Leaders' action plans are addressing areas of weakness successfully. The deputy headteacher's focus on teaching, learning and assessment is ensuring that the curriculum enables pupils to improve.

Governors are proud of the school. However, they have not had the information needed to ensure that barriers to learning are identified and teaching improves vulnerable pupils' outcomes. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) do we...ll at this school.

They receive an effective level of personalised support which helps them to make good progress from their starting points. The quality of teaching and learning, including the teaching of phonics, is good. Teachers and teaching assistants work very well together so that pupils are well supported in their learning.

Children in the early years are well catered for in their learning. The inside and outside environments are stimulating, and children engage happily and enthusiastically in their learning and play. They make good progress.

The teaching of writing is very effective. Pupils enjoy writing. The use of story books as a focus enables pupils to extend their ideas.

Pupils in all classes are able to edit and improve their work. Pupils' attendance has improved. Leaders and staff have placed great importance on coming to school and pupils and families have responded positively.

Pupils' behaviour is excellent. They show kindness and respect to all in the school community. Leaders have ensured that pupils are well cared for and make provision to meet their individual needs.

Leaders and governors make sure the curriculum is enriched by purposeful activities. Links with the National Theatre and well-considered excursions enhance pupils' knowledge and experiences. Safeguarding is effective.

Pupils report that they are happy and safe at school. They speak knowledgeably about keeping safe online.

Information about this school

Hill Mead is a larger-than-average-sized primary school.

There are two classes in each year group from Reception to Year 6. There are three teachers in each year group. Children attend the Reception classes and Nursery class on a full-time basis.

The vast majority of pupils are from minority ethnic backgrounds; just over a quarter of pupils are of Black or Black British–African heritage and a third are of Black or Black British–Caribbean heritage. Just over half of the pupils speak English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils who are eligible for the pupil premium is well above average.

The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is well above average. A breakfast and an after-school club operate on the school site. The clubs are led and managed by the school.