Thorntree Primary School, located in London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 3 and 4, 2021. The school fosters a strong sense of community and family among pupils and staff, promoting mutual respect and care. High expectations for behavior are evident, with pupils displaying politeness and consideration both in and out of lessons. The school environment is one where students feel safe and valued, with leaders ensuring that any issues are addressed promptly to maintain a positive atmosphere. The joy of learning is palpable, and friendships formed at Thorntree are highly valued by the pupils.
The school has established clear protocols for addressing bullying, instilling confidence in pupils that any incidents will be managed effectively. Staff are vigilant in identifying and addressing unkind behavior, contributing to a supportive environment. Leaders are ambitious regarding the educational outcomes for all pupils, particularly emphasizing the importance of reading. A phonics program is implemented from the Nursery level, providing daily opportunities for pupils to practice their reading skills. However, some staff have not received recent training in early reading, which leaders are actively working to rectify.
While pupils generally learn well, there are areas of the curriculum that require further development. In mathematics, for instance, teachers benefit from clear guidance on delivering the curriculum, allowing pupils to build a solid understanding of mathematical concepts. Conversely, in subjects like history, the curriculum lacks specificity regarding key concepts that pupils should learn and remember. This can lead to instances where pupils are overwhelmed with information, hindering their ability to grasp essential ideas.
Assessment information is utilized effectively by leaders and teachers to prioritize teaching content, particularly in response to learning gaps identified after the COVID-19 pandemic. Adaptations have been made to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, although further improvements are still needed in this area. Leaders are committed to ongoing development and refinement of the curriculum to ensure that all pupils acquire the necessary knowledge.
The school places significant emphasis on understanding the value of democracy, with pupils participating in voting for their school council representatives. This experience, along with consistent expectations for self-reflection on behavior, helps pupils distinguish between right and wrong. Social skills have been a focus, especially following the pandemic, with initiatives such as friendship groups and well-being clubs introduced to support pupils in developing these skills.
The safeguarding measures in place at Thorntree Primary School are effective, ensuring that pupils feel safe and are aware of how to protect themselves in various situations. Staff are proactive in reporting any concerns regarding pupil well-being, and strong relationships with families enable tailored support for vulnerable students. Parents express confidence in the safety of their children at school.
Despite the school's strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders must ensure that all staff receive up-to-date training in early reading to enhance their teaching capabilities. Additionally, the curriculum needs to be better planned and sequenced in certain subjects to ensure that pupils retain essential knowledge for future learning. Leaders are already taking steps to address these issues, demonstrating their commitment to continuous improvement and the overall success of their pupils.
