St Jude’s Church of England Primary School in London received a positive inspection report, highlighting its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on November 24 and 25, 2021, and the school demonstrated strengths in various areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management, with the latter two being rated as outstanding. The early years provision was also deemed good.
Pupils at St Jude’s feel safe and happy, enjoying their time at school. The leadership has fostered an environment where students can express their concerns and feel welcomed. Staff members are well-acquainted with their pupils and families, allowing them to provide tailored support to meet individual needs. High expectations are set for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that every pupil has access to a broad and balanced curriculum.
The school promotes positive attitudes towards learning, with pupils demonstrating good behavior and enjoying social interactions during playtime. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, staff address them promptly. The personal development of pupils is a priority, with numerous opportunities for them to explore their interests and talents, particularly in extracurricular activities such as art and music.
The curriculum at St Jude’s is broad and ambitious, with clear subject plans that outline the progression of skills and knowledge from early years through to Year 6. Leaders are aware that some pupils may join the school at different times during the academic year and have implemented strategies to help these students catch up. For example, in mathematics, teachers conduct ‘catch up, keep up’ lessons to reinforce key knowledge.
Teachers present subject matter clearly and encourage pupils to engage in discussions about their learning. However, there are instances where teachers do not consistently check what pupils have retained over time, which can hinder their ability to recall key information. Reading is prioritized, with daily phonics lessons in early years and a focus on fostering a love of reading through engaging activities.
While pupils are encouraged to use new vocabulary, they sometimes struggle to articulate their ideas academically, which can affect their understanding of key concepts. The school has high expectations for behavior, and pupils generally exhibit good conduct in lessons and throughout the school environment.
Leaders ensure that pupils with special educational needs have access to the full curriculum, providing necessary support in lessons. The school also emphasizes teaching about diversity and relevant social issues, fostering an understanding of the world around them.
Staff well-being is a priority for leaders, who provide support to help manage workloads effectively. Teachers feel valued and are proud to be part of the school community. Parents and carers appreciate the opportunities to engage with school leaders, and governors are well-informed about the school’s priorities.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Jude’s are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns. Pupils are educated about safety, including online safety and understanding risks associated with substance misuse. The school has created a culture where pupils feel comfortable discussing any worries they may have.
To improve further, the school should focus on helping pupils better recall past learning and articulate their ideas more effectively. Continued support for vocabulary development across subjects is also recommended to enhance academic discussions. Overall, St Jude’s Church of England Primary School is a nurturing environment that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils while maintaining high educational standards.
