Gallions Mount Primary School, located in Plumstead, London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 24 and 25, 2023. The school provides a positive environment where pupils feel happy and safe. They engage actively with their teachers and demonstrate a strong eagerness to learn. The behavior of the pupils is commendable, as they maintain a calm and sensible demeanor both in classrooms and throughout the school premises. From the moment they join, children are introduced to routines that prepare them for effective learning. The staff, including those in early years, have high aspirations for all pupils and work diligently to ensure that every child is included in all school activities, making necessary adjustments to support this inclusivity.
Pupils are taught to respect one another, regardless of differences, and they exhibit this respect in their interactions. The school offers various enrichment activities, such as design technology clubs and residential trips for Year 6 pupils, which excite the students and enhance their learning experiences. While pupils express a desire for more club opportunities, they take pride in their school choir and enjoy outings that reinforce their classroom learning. Parents and carers appreciate the school’s community feel, noting that staff members are dedicated to the well-being and success of the children.
The school has developed an ambitious curriculum across most subjects, with a clear focus on the knowledge necessary for pupil progress. Teachers effectively build on pupils' knowledge over time through well-structured lesson sequences. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that the development of specific skills is clearly outlined from early years through to Year 6. This gap can hinder pupils' understanding and inquiry skills in certain subjects.
Teachers demonstrate confidence in their subject knowledge and effectively address misconceptions. They utilize prior learning to enhance lesson effectiveness, allowing most pupils to recall key information and retain knowledge over time. The systematic approach to teaching reading begins in Reception and continues through Years 1 and 2, with support provided for pupils who struggle. However, some older pupils in Year 3 and above face challenges with reading materials that do not align with their phonics knowledge, indicating a need for stronger support for these students.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, with early identification of their needs and collaboration with professionals to ensure they access the same curriculum as their peers. The school environment fosters good behavior, allowing for uninterrupted learning. Teachers implement effective behavior management strategies, and pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards their education.
The personal development program equips pupils for their future in modern Britain, covering essential topics such as healthy relationships and equality. The governing body is aware of the school’s priorities and provides both support and challenge to the leadership team, although there are areas where their understanding of the curriculum could be strengthened.
Staff members express pride in their work at the school, feeling supported and receiving adequate training. The school prioritizes manageable workloads for staff, contributing to a positive working environment. Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong culture of safety and well-defined responsibilities among staff. Recruitment procedures are robust, ensuring that all necessary checks are completed for new hires.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school needs to refine its phonics curriculum for older pupils and ensure that all reading materials align with the sounds being taught. Additionally, leaders should clarify the essential knowledge and skills that pupils should acquire throughout their education, ensuring that teaching activities consistently meet expected outcomes. Overall, Gallions Mount Primary School continues to provide a solid educational foundation for its pupils while identifying areas for growth and improvement.
