Kilmorie Primary School, located in London, has recently undergone an inspection on July 10 and 11, 2024, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school is characterized by a friendly and nurturing environment where children develop supportive relationships with adults, which helps them understand their emotions and access necessary support. Pupils generally perform well in national tests and show a solid understanding of the curriculum. The leadership team has made significant efforts to review and enhance the curriculum, focusing on deepening pupils' understanding of key concepts.
The school promotes positive behaviour among pupils, who are described as polite, courteous, and kind. From early years, children are encouraged to play well together and learn important social and learning behaviours through the 'Kilmorie Qualities' program, which emphasizes respect and resilience. Teachers provide support to help pupils focus on their learning, and the school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including instrumental lessons and sports competitions. Memorable experiences such as stage performances and residential trips contribute to the pupils' overall development. However, it has been noted that not all pupils have equal access to these opportunities.
The school effectively monitors the quality of education and identifies areas for improvement. Leaders ensure that pupils are taught a broad curriculum in a logical sequence, building their knowledge over time. They consider pupils' starting points and provide opportunities for physical skill development in early years. For instance, nursery children engage in activities that enhance their physical abilities and manual dexterity, preparing them for more complex tasks in later years.
Despite these strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly concerning the support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Some systems for identifying the needs of these pupils have been recently introduced, and there are instances where the work assigned does not fully consider their prior knowledge. This can lead to pupils with SEND progressing to new work before they have adequately grasped previous concepts. The school is encouraged to continue embedding these new systems to better support these pupils.
Staff training and support have been provided to enhance subject knowledge, particularly in areas of the curriculum that have been redeveloped. However, there are occasions when the activities set for pupils do not align with the key aims of the curriculum, leading to gaps in understanding. Leaders have prioritized reading, and pupils enjoy a variety of quality texts. The reading curriculum is well-structured, and staff are trained to teach early reading effectively. Children in nursery and reception are given ample opportunities to develop their reading skills, and those needing additional support are identified and assisted accordingly.
Pupils' personal development is well-supported, with education on health and safety starting in early years. They learn about nutritious foods and are taught to maintain safe relationships. The school fosters a culture of safety, encouraging pupils to report concerns. Classrooms are generally calm, and pupils enjoy learning. Attendance rates are high, supported by clear systems for encouraging attendance.
Governors and leaders are well-informed about the school's improvement priorities and monitor them effectively. Staff appreciate the training they receive, and leaders are encouraged to provide further guidance to help embed recent curriculum changes and support for pupils with SEND. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, Kilmorie Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education while recognizing areas for growth and development.
