Nightingale Primary School in Hackney, London, has received a positive inspection report, highlighting its overall effectiveness as good. The school has demonstrated strong performance in various areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management, all rated as outstanding. The early years provision is also deemed good. The school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in October 2017.
Pupils at Nightingale Primary School enjoy a supportive and friendly environment, actively engaging in lessons and a wide range of extracurricular activities. They achieve high standards in subjects such as reading, writing, and mathematics, benefiting from a broad curriculum designed to foster active citizenship and real-world application of their learning. School leaders prioritize pupil responsibility and actively seek their input on improvements, resulting in initiatives like a climbing wall and various trips.
The school excels in supporting pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff are attentive to individual needs, ensuring all pupils can participate fully in school activities and celebrating their successes. The school environment promotes safety and kindness, with rare instances of bullying effectively managed. Disruptions to learning are minimal, and pupils exhibit high motivation and positive behavior in lessons.
Leaders at Nightingale Primary School are ambitious and work closely with parents and the local community to create a nurturing and stimulating atmosphere. The curriculum is designed to encourage curiosity and understanding of the world, with a focus on connecting and applying knowledge across subjects. For instance, pupils explore inquiry questions that link science and geography, enhancing their understanding of environmental issues.
The school has implemented a systematic phonics program to develop reading skills from early years through to Year Six. Pupils are assessed accurately and receive the necessary support to become proficient readers. The library and classroom resources offer a rich variety of texts, and staff emphasize the importance of vocabulary development, particularly for younger children.
While the majority of lessons are well-structured, there are instances where the clarity of learning objectives and assessment could be improved. Some pupils may struggle to retain knowledge or connect past learning with new concepts. Leaders are actively addressing these areas by providing professional development for teachers to enhance their curriculum delivery and address any gaps in understanding.
Nightingale Primary School places a strong emphasis on developing pupils as active citizens, offering numerous enriching experiences. All classes participate in growing crops in the school garden, which are later consumed at lunch. Pupils also visit Parliament to learn about democracy and enjoy annual camping trips that promote teamwork and nature exploration.
Staff at the school are dedicated and proud of their work, with leaders prioritizing their well-being and providing excellent training opportunities. Parents generally express high levels of satisfaction with the support and opportunities available to their children. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring pupil safety is a top priority. Leaders are proactive in supporting families and ensuring staff are well-trained to recognize and address safeguarding needs.
Overall, Nightingale Primary School is a well-regarded institution that fosters a positive learning environment, supports diverse pupil needs, and encourages active participation in the community. The school is committed to continuous improvement and is focused on enhancing the educational experience for all its pupils.
