Perrymount Primary School, located in Forest Hill, London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 28 and 29, 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel safe and are proud to attend. There is a strong sense of community, with pupils demonstrating kindness towards one another. Both parents and pupils express confidence in the school's approach to handling bullying, knowing that staff will address any concerns promptly.
The leadership team at Perrymount Primary School has established high expectations for pupil learning. The curriculum is broad and diverse, regularly reviewed to ensure that students achieve success across various subjects. This careful planning allows pupils to develop a deep understanding of the material over time. In the classroom, pupils exhibit good behavior and engage enthusiastically with their lessons.
Educational outings and guest speakers are integral to the curriculum, enriching the learning experience. Pupils visit local museums, such as the Horniman Museum, and participate in various extracurricular activities, including basketball, cookery, and coding clubs. They also enjoy attending local theater productions and participating in school performances, which enhance their educational journey.
Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles within the school and the community. They contribute to initiatives such as donating to local food banks and serving as buddies or representatives on the junior school council. This involvement fosters a sense of responsibility and encourages pupils to voice their opinions to improve the school environment.
Reading is a priority at Perrymount, with leaders promoting a love for literature and encouraging parents to support reading at home. From the Reception class onward, pupils have regular opportunities to practice phonics, with well-trained staff modeling sounds effectively. Additional support strategies are in place for pupils who may need extra help, ensuring that all students can progress in their reading skills.
The curriculum is ambitious and aligns with national expectations, with a clear focus on essential knowledge and vocabulary. In subjects like mathematics and science, pupils build on their understanding progressively, developing skills that prepare them for more complex concepts. Teachers present information clearly and check for understanding, addressing misconceptions swiftly.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement. In some foundation subjects, the activities provided do not consistently align with the ambitious curriculum goals, which can hinder pupils' depth of knowledge and vocabulary development. Leaders are encouraged to support new subject leaders in ensuring that curriculum expectations are met and that teachers are guided in delivering the curriculum effectively.
The school has effective systems in place to identify and support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff are well-informed about the needs of their students, and appropriate strategies are implemented to ensure that all pupils can access the curriculum.
Pupils understand and adhere to the high behavioral expectations set by leaders, resulting in minimal disruption during lessons. They actively participate in discussions and are eager to share their ideas. The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum is thoughtfully sequenced, allowing pupils to revisit and grasp key concepts.
Staff at Perrymount Primary School express pride in their work environment, appreciating the support provided by leaders for their well-being and professional development. The school has established a strong culture of safeguarding, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns effectively. Overall, Perrymount Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
