Peter Hills with St Mary's and St Paul's CofE Primary School in Rotherhithe, London, received a positive inspection report, highlighting its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on July 19 and 20, 2022, and the school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in April 2017. The school provides a supportive and nurturing environment where pupils feel happy and confident. They exhibit excellent behavior and demonstrate a strong commitment to their learning. The leadership team has established a secure atmosphere, allowing pupils to express their concerns freely, knowing that staff will address any issues, including bullying.
The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, encouraging pupils to engage in sports, music, cookery, and sewing. Each class participates in an annual activism project, fostering a sense of community involvement. Initiatives include collaborating with local councils on environmental projects and supporting food banks and homeless shelters. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, with teachers maintaining high expectations for pupil performance. Most subjects are designed to help pupils grasp essential concepts and vocabulary, although some areas require further development.
Reading is a priority at the school, with a strong emphasis on phonics from the early years. Staff are well-trained, ensuring that pupils develop reading skills with confidence and fluency. Those who struggle with reading receive timely support to help them catch up. The curriculum also focuses on key vocabulary, which is introduced early on, although there is room for improvement in extending spoken language development in the early years.
While the curriculum is robust in most subjects, some areas, such as music and Spanish, need clearer planning to enhance pupil learning. Leaders are aware of this and have plans in place for improvement. The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers, which helps them achieve well and build confidence.
Pupil behavior is exemplary, with high levels of concentration and motivation observed in lessons. The school has implemented effective attendance and punctuality management systems, leading to significant improvements for some pupils. The personal development curriculum is exceptional, promoting physical and mental health awareness and celebrating diversity. Pupils engage in meaningful discussions about social issues, demonstrating maturity and understanding.
Governors possess a solid understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, collaborating closely with leaders to implement and evaluate improvement plans. Staff appreciate the professional development opportunities provided and feel supported in managing their workload, contributing to a positive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns promptly. The curriculum educates pupils about risks and safety, including the importance of healthy relationships and the potential dangers of social media. Leaders ensure that all pre-employment checks are conducted, and staff are aware of the procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns.
Overall, the inspection report reflects a school that is committed to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils. The leadership team is focused on continuous improvement, ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to succeed academically and personally.
