Deptford Park Primary School, located in London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on December 6 and 7, 2022. The school provides a safe and nurturing environment where pupils feel well cared for and are encouraged to explore new learning experiences daily. The school fosters a culture of confidence, allowing students to share their ideas openly with teachers and peers. Leaders at the school maintain high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This commitment to behavior and learning standards is evident, as pupils demonstrate good behavior throughout the school, adhering to established rules and routines.
Pupils are knowledgeable about different types of bullying and feel comfortable approaching staff with any concerns. The school takes appropriate actions to address any issues that arise. Leaders actively support pupils in developing their talents and interests, exemplified by Year 4 students collaborating with professional jazz musicians to enhance their musical skills. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including chess and multi-sports, and pupils take pride in their roles within the school council and as digital leaders.
The curriculum at Deptford Park Primary School is broad and well-structured, with leaders outlining essential knowledge for most subjects. For instance, in music, the curriculum is sequenced effectively to build pupils' skills over time. In mathematics, Year 6 pupils utilize various methods to calculate percentages, demonstrating a solid understanding of concepts. Teachers also focus on developing subject-specific vocabulary among students.
However, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, the sequence of essential knowledge is not as clearly defined, which can hinder the logical progression of learning. Additionally, teachers' subject-specific knowledge in these areas may not be as robust, impacting pupils' understanding of crucial concepts over time. Subject leaders provide effective oversight, and teachers adapt their instruction to address gaps in pupils' knowledge. Pupils with special educational needs receive tailored support, with staff breaking down information into manageable parts and providing additional assistance as needed.
Reading is a priority at the school, with staff trained to deliver a consistent phonics program. From the start of Reception, children develop a love for reading, and staff engage pupils with high-quality texts to enhance their language and vocabulary skills. This focus on language development lays a strong foundation for learning across the curriculum. Pupils exhibit positive attitudes toward learning, responding promptly to staff reminders about behavior. Low-level disruptions are managed effectively, allowing for a conducive learning environment.
The school promotes an understanding of different cultures, encouraging pupils to share their feelings and experiences. Recent changes to the governing body have strengthened oversight, with members actively involved in supporting the school's leadership. Staff feel valued, with leaders considering their well-being and ensuring manageable workloads.
The safeguarding arrangements at Deptford Park Primary School are effective, with staff trained to identify potential risks and follow proper reporting procedures. Leaders regularly discuss pastoral support for pupils and families in need, ensuring resources are allocated appropriately. Pupils are educated on safety, including online safety, and act as digital leaders to inform their peers about associated risks.
To enhance the quality of education further, leaders must ensure that the sequence of subject-specific concepts is clearly defined across all subjects, allowing pupils to build knowledge and skills logically over time. This will help maintain the school's good standing and support continuous improvement in educational outcomes for all pupils.
