Hollydale Primary School, located in Nunhead, London, has recently undergone an inspection on the 1st and 2nd of October 2024. The school has received commendable ratings across various categories, including good for the quality of education, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, while behaviour and attitudes have been rated as outstanding. The previous inspection also rated the school as good, indicating a consistent level of quality in its educational offerings.
Pupils at Hollydale Primary School express enjoyment in attending this welcoming environment, where staff are described as calm and kind. The school fosters a sense of safety, ensuring that pupils feel comfortable seeking help when needed. Exemplary behaviour is observed throughout the school, attributed to the effective teaching of behavioural expectations from early years. Pupils demonstrate a strong desire to learn, contributing to purposeful classroom environments where high expectations are met.
The school encourages pupils to take on responsibilities through various roles, such as members of the school council and reading buddies. Notably, pupils in the gardening club have engaged in practical activities, such as growing vegetables for sale at Borough Market, which reinforces the school’s values of responsibility and resilience. Additionally, pupils are provided with opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions, such as debating historical figures, which enhances their understanding of diverse perspectives.
Reading is prioritized within the curriculum, with children introduced to reading as soon as they enter Reception. The school aims for pupils to develop reading skills without delay, supported by regular visits to the local library and daily read-aloud sessions. Staff are well-trained in teaching early reading, ensuring a consistent delivery of the reading programme. This approach has resulted in pupils reading with growing confidence and fluency.
The curriculum at Hollydale is broad and logically sequenced, beginning from the early years. In mathematics, for instance, Year 2 pupils demonstrate confidence in partitioning numbers, while Year 4 pupils classify plants based on prior knowledge. Teachers possess secure subject knowledge and effectively explain concepts, although there are instances where checking pupils’ understanding could be improved to better support those struggling with linking previous and current learning.
The school is committed to ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities achieve well, with processes in place for early identification and collaboration with external professionals. Pupils exhibit high motivation and positive attitudes towards learning, minimizing disruptions during lessons. The personal, social, and health education curriculum is a priority, teaching pupils about diversity and the importance of love and care within families.
Hollydale Primary School offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs for football, art, and choir, which contribute to pupils’ wider development. The governing body is aware of the school’s strengths and has established processes to monitor effectiveness. Staff report positively on initiatives aimed at managing workload and supporting well-being.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong emphasis on teaching pupils about risks and safety, both in school and beyond. Staff receive thorough training and are vigilant in reporting concerns. However, there are recommendations for improving the accuracy and completeness of safeguarding records to ensure all actions taken are well-documented.
Overall, Hollydale Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education, fostering a supportive environment for both pupils and staff. The school is encouraged to continue refining its practices, particularly in monitoring pupils’ understanding and enhancing safeguarding documentation.
