Charlton Manor Primary School, located in Charlton, London, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on February 28 and March 1, 2023. The school is committed to ensuring that pupils feel safe and happy, with staff actively promoting a positive learning environment. Pupils respond well to the high expectations set by the staff regarding behavior and learning, and they appreciate the support they receive to enhance their educational experience. The school fosters a strong sense of community, with pupils getting along well and knowing how to address bullying should it occur. Staff are responsive to any concerns raised by students, ensuring that incidents are dealt with appropriately.
The school offers a variety of educational outings, clubs, and cultural experiences, enriching the pupils' learning. For instance, Year 1 students had the opportunity to visit Buckingham Palace as part of their studies on Kings and Queens. Inclusivity is a priority, with leaders ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, have access to extracurricular activities. Pupils take pride in their roles within the school, such as sports captains and junior travel ambassadors, and older students assist younger ones in developing essential skills.
Parents and carers have expressed positive feedback regarding the improvements made by the new leadership team, particularly in attendance and engagement. The curriculum has been carefully developed, with a focus on what pupils need to learn and remember. Subject content is organized sequentially, allowing pupils to build their knowledge progressively. For example, in physical education, pupils develop coordination and control through increasingly complex ball games.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Occasionally, teachers do not communicate information clearly during lessons, leading to some pupils being uncertain about their learning objectives. Additionally, there are instances where teachers do not adequately check pupils' understanding, resulting in misconceptions that are not addressed promptly. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that all staff deliver information clearly and check for understanding effectively.
The school promotes a love of reading, with older pupils reading with younger ones and staff providing a diverse range of high-quality texts. The phonics program is delivered consistently, and targeted support is available for pupils needing to improve their reading fluency. In mathematics, teachers motivate pupils through practical experiences and clear modeling of mathematical language and strategies.
Leaders are proactive in identifying pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive the necessary support to access the curriculum. Staff treat pupils with fairness and respect, maintaining high expectations for behavior. The school emphasizes mental health, teaching pupils to understand their feelings and those of others. Pupils are trained as well-being champions, supporting their peers.
Governance is strong, with the governing body working closely with school leaders to provide strategic direction. Staff appreciate the adjustments made to planning and assessment, which have positively impacted their workload and work-life balance. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a coordinated approach to identifying and supporting pupils in need. Overall, Charlton Manor Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a commitment to improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
