St Luke’s Church of England Primary School, located on Saunders Ness Road in the Isle of Dogs, London, has recently undergone an inspection on the 1st and 2nd of November 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, reflecting a consistent standard of education and care. The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, as well as early years provision have all been rated as good, maintaining the same grade as the previous inspection in October 2021.
The school environment is characterized by polite and caring pupils who enjoy attending school. They appreciate the support from adults in their learning and value the friendships they have formed. The behaviour of pupils is commendable, both in lessons and during social interactions, contributing to a positive atmosphere conducive to learning. Staff members foster strong relationships with pupils, ensuring that they feel safe and supported, which is crucial for their emotional well-being.
Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as leading assemblies on important topics like cyber-bullying. They engage in community service, exemplified by Year 6 students who created cards and biscuits for a local night shelter. The school promotes cultural awareness through visits to various places of worship and celebrations of diverse events, helping pupils to respect and understand different customs and beliefs.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with regular library visits and daily reading sessions led by staff. Pupils are exposed to ambitious texts and are taught new vocabulary, enhancing their love for reading. Phonics instruction begins in Reception, with a structured approach to teaching sounds in a logical order. Staff monitor pupils' progress closely, providing support to those who may fall behind, ensuring that all pupils can read fluently.
The curriculum is well-structured and ambitious, starting from the early years. The school has clearly defined learning objectives across subjects, enabling pupils to build on their knowledge progressively. For instance, Year 5 pupils learn programming concepts through practical applications. While most teachers effectively address misconceptions, there are instances where clarity in explanations could be improved, leading to gaps in some pupils' understanding.
Staff are well-equipped with the necessary subject knowledge to deliver the curriculum effectively. In the early years, they support vocabulary development across various learning areas, which is essential for building foundational skills. The school effectively identifies pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing appropriate support through external professionals, ensuring inclusivity in the learning environment.
Pupils generally exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, with minimal disruption during lessons. High expectations for behaviour are maintained, allowing the curriculum to be delivered without interruptions. The school actively promotes kindness and citizenship, with a well-structured personal, social, health, and economic curriculum that addresses important topics such as online safety and consent.
Leadership at the school is ambitious, with a commitment to providing the best education possible in a nurturing environment. Staff express pride in their work and appreciate the support they receive from leaders, which contributes to their well-being. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their interests prioritized.
To further improve, the school needs to ensure that teaching consistently checks pupils' understanding and addresses misconceptions promptly. This will help prevent gaps in learning and ensure that all pupils can recall key knowledge effectively. Overall, St Luke’s Church of England Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
