De Lucy Primary School, located in Abbey Wood, London, has recently undergone an inspection on October 3 and 4, 2023, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement.
Pupils at De Lucy Primary School express enjoyment in attending this caring and welcoming environment. They exhibit friendliness and confidence, often greeting each other with smiles and gestures. The leadership team, including staff and governors, demonstrates high aspirations for all students, ensuring they receive a broad and well-structured curriculum. From the early years, children are achieving well in their learning and development, and throughout the school, pupils are engaged and enthusiastic about their lessons, which contributes to their successful knowledge acquisition.
Behaviour among pupils is commendable, with a strong emphasis on safety and respect within the school community. Trusting relationships between staff and students foster an atmosphere where kindness prevails, and instances of bullying are rare. Pupils are assured that any concerns will be addressed effectively. The school also offers a variety of extracurricular activities that promote personal development, such as after-school clubs and educational outings, which are well-received by the students.
The curriculum at De Lucy Primary School is broad and ambitious, effectively implemented by the staff. Early years education is particularly strong, with a focus on developing language and communication skills. The transition from Reception to Year 1 is smooth, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge effectively. As students progress through the school, they continue to develop their understanding across all subjects, with clear expectations set by leaders and teachers regarding what pupils need to learn.
Teachers possess good subject knowledge and monitor pupils' understanding closely, providing additional support when necessary. Reading is prioritized, with staff skilled in teaching phonics, enabling all pupils to read with increasing accuracy and fluency. The school fosters a love of reading through various initiatives, ensuring that by the time pupils leave, they are confident readers prepared for the next stage of their education.
While pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities achieve well overall, there are areas for improvement in the organization and delivery of the curriculum in English and mathematics. This can sometimes limit the learning opportunities for these pupils, which the school aims to address to enhance their outcomes further.
Pupils demonstrate good behaviour in lessons and during playtime, motivated by clear systems of rewards and consequences. Attendance is regular, reflecting the positive environment fostered by the school. Personal development is well-supported, with staff helping pupils grow in confidence and learn about health and well-being, as well as cultural appreciation.
Governors play an active role in the school's improvement efforts, providing support and challenge across various aspects of school life. Leaders ensure that staff receive appropriate professional development, considering their workload and well-being. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, prioritizing the safety and welfare of all pupils.
Overall, De Lucy Primary School has made significant strides in its educational provision, creating a positive and nurturing environment for its pupils. The commitment to continuous improvement is evident, with plans in place to enhance the learning experiences for all students, particularly those with additional needs.
