Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Streatham Wells Primary School on 15 January 2019, following its previous judgment of good in November 2014. The inspection concluded that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team has effectively upheld educational standards and has shown marked improvement in specific areas, suggesting potential for significant overall enhancement. The school has addressed all previous areas for improvement and fosters a positive, vibrant atmosphere where pupils are valued as individuals. This environment supports their personal development and academic achievement, with a majority making strong progress and achieving above-average standards in reading, writing, and mathematics.
The curriculum is well-structured, broad, and balanced, providing pupils with numerous opportunities to express creativity and develop talents in arts, music, and sports. Leaders are proactive in enriching the curriculum across all subjects. Governors are well-informed about the school’s targets and work closely with leaders, providing a balance of challenge and support. Parents and carers appreciate the inclusive and caring approach of the school, expressing confidence in the leadership team’s commitment to continuous improvement.
Pupils enjoy attending school and feel safe, attributing this to the supportive staff and engaging learning experiences. They are encouraged to participate in discussions and problem-solving across subjects, with high standards of behavior observed throughout the day. The school prioritizes safeguarding, ensuring that all procedures are effective and that pupil safety is paramount. Parents report that their children feel secure, and pupils articulate their understanding of online safety and the importance of mental health.
The inspection focused on three key areas, including the provision for reading at key stage two. While reading attainment has been high over the past three years, progress in 2018 was not as strong as in writing and mathematics. Leaders have improved the English curriculum, particularly in engaging pupils with reading. The foundations of reading skills are evident in early years, with children actively learning phonics. In key stage two, targeted training has enhanced specific reading skills and vocabulary development, with pupils demonstrating competence and reflection in their reading abilities.
The inspection also examined the performance of disadvantaged pupils, noting that while most met expected standards, none achieved higher standards in reading or mathematics. Leaders have recognized this as an area for improvement and are implementing additional support for the most able disadvantaged pupils to enhance their attainment. The wider curriculum promotes skill development across subjects, with pupils effectively applying their knowledge in various contexts. Science education is robust, with pupils engaging in investigations and experiments.
The school excels in creative arts and sports, providing extensive opportunities for pupils to participate in performances and competitions. The curriculum promotes values such as happiness, resilience, and respect, which are integrated into pupils' studies of world religions and contemporary issues. The school prepares pupils well for the wider world, encouraging tolerance and respect for others.
Next steps for the school include ensuring that a greater number of disadvantaged pupils achieve higher standards in reading, writing, and mathematics, as well as enhancing opportunities for skill development in geography. The inspection findings highlight the school’s strengths and areas for continued focus, reflecting a commitment to fostering an enriching educational environment for all pupils.