Cooper’s Lane Primary School, located in London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 20 and 21, 2022. The school has a positive reputation among its pupils, who express pride in attending and recommend it to others. Students feel happy and safe, with access to multiple adults for support if they face any issues. The school emphasizes online safety from the early years, providing parents with regular updates on how to maintain this safety at home. Parents have overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the school's communication, leadership approachability, and quality of inclusion.
The behavior of pupils is commendable, with calmness observed in lessons and throughout the school. Disruptions are minimal, and instances of bullying are rare, with staff addressing any concerns promptly. Pupils engage in various activities during playtime, with older students particularly enjoying the playground's 'tube train' for socializing and games. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including football, chess, drama, gymnastics, and more, encouraging older pupils to take on responsibilities such as joining the school council or environmental initiatives.
Leaders at Cooper’s Lane Primary School have clearly defined the essential knowledge and skills they want pupils to acquire across all subjects. They have thoughtfully structured the curriculum to establish strong connections between subjects. In the early years, children learn foundational concepts of time and change, progressing to a solid understanding of historical events as they advance through the school. Teachers effectively model subject-specific vocabulary, enhancing pupils' learning experiences.
The school excels in its art program, providing specialist teaching and well-resourced classrooms that allow pupils to develop their skills over time. However, some pupils struggle with retaining subject-specific vocabulary when discussing their work. In mathematics, the curriculum is designed for pupils to revisit concepts regularly, ensuring a solid understanding. The school has adapted its curriculum to support all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have opportunities to catch up if needed.
Reading instruction is a priority, with a new phonics program implemented consistently across early years to Year 2. Staff training has been provided to ensure effective delivery, and assessments help track pupil progress. Older pupils demonstrate enthusiasm for reading, enjoying a variety of texts and authors. The school integrates pupils from the Centre for the Deaf into mainstream classes, ensuring they have access to the full curriculum with appropriate support.
Pupils exhibit politeness and courtesy, benefiting from personal, social, and health education lessons that help them navigate moral dilemmas. The school has resumed local and residential trips, enhancing the educational experience. Staff express pride in their work environment, feeling supported by leadership and finding their workload manageable. Regular professional development opportunities are available to staff.
The safeguarding arrangements at Cooper’s Lane Primary School are effective, with governors trained in safer recruitment and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding requirements. A strong culture of safeguarding exists, with staff receiving regular training and having robust systems for identifying and addressing concerns. Leaders are well-acquainted with their pupils and families, ensuring timely referrals and support for vulnerable students.
To improve, the school needs to finalize and implement consistent assessment procedures for foundation subjects to better support pupil progress and curriculum implementation. Overall, Cooper’s Lane Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment for its pupils.
