St Jude's Church of England Primary School in Herne Hill, London, was inspected on 22 and 23 November 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management all receiving the same rating. However, early years provision was noted as requiring improvement. This inspection marked a significant change from the previous outstanding grade received in June 2008.
The school fosters a nurturing environment where children feel happy and safe. Pupils express enjoyment in their learning and take pride in their school. Positive and respectful relationships between staff and pupils are evident, and pupils are encouraged to voice any concerns to adults in the school. Staff are proactive in addressing bullying issues swiftly and sensitively. Leaders maintain high expectations for pupil behaviour and education, and most pupils learn the planned curriculum effectively. Early reading and mathematics are strong areas, although there are gaps in the early years curriculum that need addressing.
Staff play a crucial role in helping pupils develop confidence and respect. Teachers expose pupils to diverse cultures and viewpoints, ensuring that discrimination and bullying are not tolerated. Opportunities for pupils to take on responsibilities, such as becoming digital ambassadors or members of the school council, are valued. The school community is supported through various initiatives, and pupils appreciate these opportunities.
The curriculum is ambitious, with a strong emphasis on early reading through a well-implemented phonics programme. The love of reading is evident, with pupils enjoying story times and engaging with high-quality texts that challenge them and introduce new vocabulary. In most subjects, leaders have a clear understanding of what pupils should learn and when, which helps build on prior knowledge. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, enabling pupils to grasp complex concepts effectively.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is generally effective, allowing them to access the same curriculum as their peers. However, in some subjects, the curriculum is new and not fully embedded, leading to a lack of clarity regarding key content and vocabulary. In early years, the focus on activities sometimes overshadows the importance of structured learning steps.
Teachers regularly check pupils' understanding during lessons, addressing misconceptions and adapting their teaching accordingly. Recent changes in senior leadership have been managed well, with the governing body collaborating with the diocese and local schools to support leaders. Most staff feel supported in their professional development, although some historic concerns regarding workload persist for a minority.
Behaviour throughout the school is calm and consistent, with clear expectations and routines established from the early years. Pupils display a positive attitude towards learning, and lessons are purposeful, minimizing disruptions. The school offers numerous enrichment activities, visits, and clubs, fostering a sense of responsibility among pupils.
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding established. Leaders regularly discuss concerns and ensure that all staff receive appropriate training to identify risks. Pupils are educated about potential safeguarding issues, and they know they can seek help from any adult in the school.
To improve, the school needs to develop a coherently sequenced curriculum in some subjects, ensuring that key knowledge is identified and built upon from early years through to Year 6. In early years, leaders must focus on the key knowledge and vocabulary children need to learn and sequence this effectively for future learning. Overall, St Jude's Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
