Christ Church Church of England Primary School in Shooters Hill, London, was inspected on 14 and 15 November 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision also receiving good ratings. Notably, personal development was rated as outstanding. The school had previously been inspected 14 years ago, receiving an outstanding grade under a different inspection framework. Since then, the school was exempt from routine inspections until November 2020, resulting in a longer gap between graded inspections.
The school fosters a strong and supportive community, embodying the values of Ubuntu, which emphasizes interconnectedness. Pupils feel happy and safe, knowing that staff care for them. The school is ambitious regarding pupils' learning, particularly in reading, where pupils achieve well across most subjects. Leaders and staff are actively working to enhance the curriculum in other subjects to ensure high outcomes for all pupils. The school offers numerous opportunities for further learning, including outdoor activities in local woods and a variety of clubs such as chess, cookery, and taekwondo. Musical talents are encouraged, with many pupils learning to play instruments.
Pupils exhibit good behaviour in lessons and throughout the school, with older students serving as excellent role models. They take pride in their school and engage in various responsibilities, contributing positively to their community through volunteering and fundraising. The curriculum is well-structured and ambitious, particularly in subjects like art, where leaders have carefully planned the techniques and artists for study. Pupils are engaged in lessons and demonstrate teamwork skills in physical education, learning to view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Staff are knowledgeable about their pupils and families, quickly identifying those needing additional support. Some staff receive specialized training to assist pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring these pupils achieve well and participate in activities alongside their peers. Behaviour in the school is calm and orderly, with pupils responding well to the established behaviour system. However, there are instances where teachers do not ensure all pupils are ready for learning, and checks on understanding could be more systematic.
The reading curriculum is ambitious, exposing pupils to a wide range of texts. Recent phonics teaching initiatives have been effectively implemented, with staff trained to deliver the program. Regular assessments help identify pupils struggling with reading, allowing for timely support. The school is committed to developing pupils' personal growth, aiming to cultivate confident, independent global citizens through a well-structured personal, social, and health education curriculum. Pupils demonstrate a strong understanding of equality and show empathy towards others.
Staff feel a sense of belonging and appreciate the consideration given to their well-being by leaders. Communication with parents is strong, ensuring they are informed about their child's learning and how to support them at home. Attendance is good, with staff promptly addressing any absences and providing necessary support to families.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that curriculum end-points are clearly defined across all subjects. This clarity is essential for teachers to understand the crucial knowledge pupils need at each learning stage. Additionally, teachers should enhance their checks on pupils' understanding to maintain focus and address misconceptions effectively. Overall, the school demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
