Herons’ Moor Academy is a ‘safe and nurturing environment’ with ‘high expectations’ for its pupils, according to Ofsted inspectors who have rated the school ‘Good’ in all areas.
Ofsted spent two days assessing the Weston-super-Mare school, during which time they met leaders from the school and its trust, spoke with parents and pupils, and carried out a ‘deep dive’ into a number of subject areas.
At the end of their analysis, inspectors concluded the school is ‘Good’ in all five key areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and early years provision.
Inspectors heaped praise on its ‘clear and logical curriculum’ and the ‘strong relationships’ between children and staff which help all children enjoy a ‘strong sense of belonging’.
In her report, lead inspector Caroline Musty said: “The school is a nurturing and caring environment. It is a happy community where pupils and staff feel a strong sense of belonging. Pupils are kind and show respect towards staff and to each other.
“The school is ambitious for all its pupils. Staff share the trust’s vision of working together to support pupils to achieve lifelong success. The school knows its pupils well. It makes sure they get the help they need to be successful. Pupils are enthusiastic to share their knowledge. They work hard and are well prepared for their next stage of education.”
The report went on to highlight Herons’ Moor’s success in a number of other key areas.
On curriculum, Ofsted said: “School leaders, supported by the trust, have designed a clear and logical curriculum. It details the knowledge, skills and vocabulary that pupils will build as they move through the school. Developing pupils’ ability to communicate is at the heart of this curriculum.”
On pupil behaviour, the report said: “Staff have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour and conduct. This starts in Nursery, where children listen carefully and follow routines. Pupils know the school rules. They follow expectations in and outside of classrooms. They move around the school in a calm and orderly manner.”
On SEND, it said: “The school has an accurate understanding of the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff identify these needs and give effective support. They provide pupils with adult support and adapted resources. This helps pupils with SEND access the curriculum and make progress towards meeting their individual targets.”
On pupil voice, the report said: “Pupils have a wide range of leadership roles. They plan and lead discussions with pupils across the school about current issues. This helps pupils to reflect on the lives of others.
“Pupils are active in the community. The eco council has worked with the local council to develop an area of land for planting. The choir sings in the local supermarket and to residents in a local care home. This helps pupils to develop their understanding of active citizenship.”
And on future aspirations, it said: “The school is ambitious for all its pupils. Staff share the trust’s vision of working together to support pupils to achieve lifelong success.
“The school knows its pupils well. It makes sure they get the help they need to be successful. Pupils are enthusiastic to share their knowledge. They work hard and are well prepared for their next stage of education.”
Additionally, Ofsted heralded Herons’ Moor’s ‘effective’ safeguarding, the ‘overwhelmingly positive’ feedback from parents and carers, and the ‘highly effective’ relationship between the school and its parent trust the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF).
Ofsted’s findings have been welcomed by leaders within both Herons’ Moor Academy and the CLF.
Georgie Tinker, Principal at Herons’ Moor Academy, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled with the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection. It is a true reflection of the hard work, dedication, and passion shown by our staff, pupils, and wider school community.
“This report affirms our commitment to providing a nurturing and high-quality learning environment where every child can thrive. We look forward to embracing the challenge of building on what we have achieved so far.”
Steve Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:
“Herons’ Moor is so important in the context of its community, and it’s great that some of its many strengths as a school are being highlighted in this report.
“Well done to the hard-working team – this outcome is a reflection of the excellent work they do every day. We’re all very proud of Herons’ Moor in our trust.”
