Heron Primary School in Abbeydale, Gloucester, has earned high praise in its latest Ofsted inspection, securing a ‘good’ rating across all key areas. The inspection, carried out on February 11 and 12, highlighted the school’s welcoming atmosphere, outstanding teaching, and an unwavering commitment to pupil wellbeing.
Serving 399 pupils aged 4 to 11, Heron Primary was lauded for fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. Inspectors noted that pupils feel cared for and trust the adults around them, which contributes significantly to their happiness and security. This pastoral care has been especially vital as the school responds to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing a comprehensive wellbeing curriculum designed to boost resilience, confidence, and self-belief.
The school’s approach to behaviour was also applauded. Clear expectations and consistent application of rules result in respectful pupils who adhere to a shared code of conduct. The school’s Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) project contributes positively to emotional wellbeing and behaviour by offering children enriching opportunities to engage physically and challenge themselves.
READ MORE: Gloucester Councillor Raises Alarm Over City Car Parks Used by Mobile Mechanic and Burnt-Out Vehicle
READ MORE: Gloucestershire Weapons Map Reveals High-Risk Areas Amid Rising Knife Crime
Academically, inspectors found Heron’s curriculum to be well-organised and progressively structured, allowing pupils to build and revisit knowledge steadily. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive tailored support enabling them to keep pace with peers, supported by clear, precise targets and adaptive teaching strategies.
The report underscored the school’s strong reading programme, with phonics introduced from Reception and progressing to complex texts by Year 6, resulting in most pupils becoming confident, independent readers. However, it was noted that some older pupils lack enthusiasm for reading, driven partly by low confidence, and efforts are underway to cultivate a greater love of reading.
In the early years, high-quality staff interactions help children develop language skills, although there is recognition that vocabulary development can be improved, especially in areas that support communication and emotional expression.
Attendance remains a focus, with the school actively working to improve rates among pupils who have struggled with regular attendance. Recent initiatives have begun to show positive results, engaging families to support better attendance patterns.
Heron Primary also values its strong partnerships with parents and the wider community. The school actively listens to parental feedback, demonstrated by expanding extracurricular clubs following parental requests. Still, some parents remain unconvinced of the school’s achievements, an area the staff are keen to address.
Headteacher Claire Brookes expressed pride in the positive inspection outcome, highlighting the school’s commitment to its inclusive curriculum and wellbeing focus. She praised the OPAL programme and noted the school’s recognition for outstanding play provision. Brookes reaffirmed the school’s dedication to working alongside parents and stakeholders to improve attendance and foster a love of reading through initiatives such as book fairs and reading buddies.
Looking ahead, Heron Primary will continue to prioritise oracy skills, enabling pupils to articulate their thoughts and engage effectively in conversation. Brookes thanked the staff, governors, and pupils whose dedication and enthusiasm have been central to the school’s success.