Flora Gardens Primary School, located in Dalling Road, London, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, receiving a Good rating in its recent inspection conducted on June 9 and 10, 2022. The school is characterized by a positive learning environment where pupils exhibit exceptional politeness and pride in their school. The respectful relationships between staff and students contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, fostering a sense of community. Pupils demonstrate a clear understanding of bullying and assert that it is not an issue at their school, attributing this to the kindness prevalent among their peers. Staff are proactive in addressing any friendship issues that may arise.
The school's values play a significant role in shaping behavior, with a well-understood behavior system that includes rewards such as house points. Classroom routines are effectively established, and from early years, children show a keen interest in their learning. Playtimes are harmonious, and pupils engage enthusiastically with the learning activities planned by staff. Leaders and governors are ambitious for all pupils to excel, and the curriculum is designed to enable successful learning across a range of subjects. The school offers a variety of extracurricular clubs, catering for diverse interests, which pupils participate in with enthusiasm.
Staff development is a priority for school leaders, ensuring that teachers possess strong subject knowledge, which enhances the effective delivery of the curriculum. In many subjects, leaders have clearly defined what they want pupils to remember, and teachers employ various strategies to embed this knowledge in long-term memory. For instance, in Spanish, pupils find that songs aid their retention of information, while in mathematics, regular repetition helps them memorize essential number facts. However, in some subjects, the clarity of what pupils should know and remember is less defined, leading to challenges in retaining key concepts.
Reading is emphasized within the school, with pupils frequently utilizing the well-stocked library and having input in the selection of classroom books. Staff receive training in phonics and reading, allowing children to develop confidence in learning sounds early on. The phonics program is carefully sequenced, ensuring that pupils practice reading with books that align with their knowledge of sounds, fostering fluency. Leaders also provide support for pupils at risk of falling behind.
Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding, ensuring that they grasp the material being taught. This includes checking pronunciation in phonics lessons and understanding problem-solving methods in mathematics. The school effectively identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing tailored resources that contribute to their success.
Pupils exhibit exemplary behavior, demonstrating curiosity and commitment to their learning. They take pride in representing the school during educational outings and sports tournaments, often receiving compliments from event hosts. The school excels in promoting personal development, offering a robust sports program and a variety of after-school clubs that ignite pupils' interests and talents. Opportunities for discussions on various topics further enrich their learning experience.
Staff express satisfaction with their work environment, noting that leaders prioritize their well-being through team-building events and provide valuable training and support. Governors are well-informed about the school and offer substantial support and challenge to school leaders. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders prioritizing pupil welfare and ensuring staff are trained to identify and report concerns. Pupils feel safe at school, knowing they have trusted adults to turn to and are educated on staying safe, particularly regarding internet dangers. Overall, Flora Gardens Primary School is a vibrant educational institution that fosters a positive learning environment and supports the development of its pupils.
