Henbury View First School

Overview

Henbury View First School is described as an inclusive setting where "the child is at the heart" and pupils "flourish." The report highlights an "ambitious curriculum" and "exemplary" behaviour, noting that staff hold high expectations which result in strong academic outcomes, particularly in reading. While the overall effectiveness is judged as Good, with Outstanding ratings for behaviour and personal development, the inspection identifies specific areas requiring attention regarding writing and governance.

Strengths

• Pupils display "exemplary" behaviour, demonstrating mutual respect and a strong sense of community through values such as "belong, believe, behave."
• Reading provision is highly effective, with "highly skilled" staff using precise phonics teaching to ensure pupils become fluent readers.
• Personal development is "outstanding," supported by strong community links and a curriculum that fosters responsible citizenship and respect for diversity.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "at the centre of teaching plans," receiving accurate adaptations to access the same curriculum as their peers.
• Parents are "extremely positive" about the school, feeling supported and confident in the high level of care their children receive.

Areas to improve

• Pupils’ writing is "not well developed across the curriculum," meaning they do not fully demonstrate the depth of subject knowledge they have learned through written work.
• The new local governing body and trust must ensure systems are in place to provide an "effective level of challenge to school leaders," following a period where governors had not held leaders accountable.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."