Sir John Lillie Primary School, located in London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 29-30 October 2019. The school is characterized by a nurturing and friendly environment where pupils feel welcomed and valued. Students describe it as a happy place, often symbolized by their yellow shirts, which represent their enjoyment of school life. Attendance is generally high, and pupils appreciate the well-designed outdoor areas that encourage play and exploration. The school fosters a culture of care, with staff and students looking after one another, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are fully included in school activities. Incidents of bullying are addressed promptly, and designated buddies help to ensure that everyone is included in games.
The leadership team is dedicated to helping every pupil reach their full potential. Teachers are attentive to the needs of all students, including those who join mid-year. The early years curriculum is designed to cultivate children's interests and imaginations, providing a safe and creative space for learning. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with early reading instruction being particularly effective. Children enjoy learning new sounds and practicing them in their books, and storytelling is an integral part of the daily routine. Pupils express excitement about their class reads, indicating a strong engagement with literature.
Writing is another area of focus, with pupils encouraged to practice various forms and purposes of writing. They learn to redraft their work and expand their vocabulary, enhancing the quality of their writing. The school has established clear progression maps that outline the knowledge and skills pupils are expected to acquire across subjects. Classroom displays, referred to as knowledge organizers, provide useful information and vocabulary to support learning. This approach helps pupils make connections between different subjects, fostering a deeper understanding of the material.
The school also organizes trips and activities that take advantage of London's cultural offerings, allowing pupils to visit museums and local attractions. These experiences, along with various clubs, contribute to a well-rounded education. Staff members report a positive working environment, often likening it to a family. Despite challenges such as staff cuts, leaders are mindful of workload and provide ongoing support to enhance staff expertise across the curriculum.
Pupils demonstrate curiosity and a willingness to support each other's learning. They engage actively in lessons, working collaboratively on projects and experiments. The school environment is thoughtfully designed to maximize learning opportunities, with outdoor areas that encourage creativity and exploration.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to signs that a pupil may need support. Pupils are educated about safety, both in school and in the community, equipping them with practical strategies for staying safe.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that all staff are confident in delivering the new progression maps and to further develop connections between knowledge learned in different subjects. This will help pupils understand how their learning builds over time, enhancing their overall educational experience. The school continues to strive for excellence, maintaining a commitment to the well-being and academic success of all its pupils.
