Stockwell Primary School, located in London, has undergone a recent inspection that has resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on the 21st and 22nd of September 2022, marking a significant improvement from its previous rating of requires improvement. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education, with leaders designing an ambitious curriculum that caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff have received extensive training, ensuring they possess secure subject knowledge to effectively deliver the curriculum from early years through to Year 6.
Pupils at Stockwell Primary School exhibit pride in their school community, feeling happy and safe. They treat each other and staff with respect, and while they generally behave sensibly, there are instances where staff need to encourage pupils to stay on task. The school has a robust approach to addressing any reported incidents of bullying, ensuring that these are dealt with seriously. Pupils are given numerous opportunities to take on responsibilities, such as serving as elected school council representatives, which allows them to voice their opinions on school improvements.
The curriculum is ambitious across most subjects, with pupils acquiring subject-specific knowledge effectively. For instance, in science, pupils engage in designing experiments and analyzing data, while in music, they learn to appreciate and compose music. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in geography, where pupils do not consistently build their knowledge of locations and places as they progress through the school. Leaders need to ensure that the curriculum in geography is as well-defined as in other subjects.
Reading is prioritized at Stockwell Primary School, with children learning phonics as soon as they enter Reception. The school has recently invested in a new phonics program, and while staff have received training, there are inconsistencies in the strategies used to support pupils in their reading. A minority of pupils, especially in Years 2 and 3, face challenges due to gaps in their phonics knowledge, which affects their reading fluency and confidence. Staff are aware of these pupils and provide support to help them catch up.
The school fosters a culture of safeguarding, with leaders understanding local risks and engaging effectively with outside agencies. Staff are trained to recognize and report concerns, ensuring that pupils know how to stay safe online and have trusted adults to approach if they feel worried. The school environment is characterized by minimal disruption to learning, with adults managing behavior consistently and fairly.
Parents and carers express positive feedback regarding the changes implemented at the school, noting that their children are happy and enjoy attending. Staff also report high levels of support from leaders, contributing to a manageable workload and a positive working environment. The governing body plays an active role in holding leaders accountable for ongoing improvements.
In summary, Stockwell Primary School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, with a strong focus on curriculum development, pupil well-being, and effective safeguarding practices. While there are areas that require further attention, particularly in geography and phonics instruction, the overall environment is conducive to learning, and the school is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of improvement.
