Allfarthing Primary School, located in Wandsworth, London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 10 and 11, 2023. The school emphasizes its core values of kindness, safety, and striving for excellence, which are integrated into all aspects of school life. Leaders at Allfarthing Primary have high expectations for all students and have developed a comprehensive curriculum that not only meets national standards but also encourages pupils to engage with their community and the world around them. As a result, students perform well across various subjects.
The school environment is characterized by a strong sense of safety and well-being. Pupils report feeling secure and are not overly concerned about bullying, as incidents are rare and dealt with promptly. The school teaches students to manage their emotions and behavior through structured lessons, which prepares them for learning. Additionally, Allfarthing Primary offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including chess, drama, coding, and sports, allowing students to explore their interests and develop new skills. The school fosters an inclusive atmosphere where students are encouraged to support one another, and many take on leadership roles, such as being part of the school council or serving as sports captains.
Parents and caregivers express high levels of satisfaction with the school, describing it as nurturing and community-oriented. This positive feedback reflects the school's commitment to creating a supportive environment for both students and families. The curriculum is ambitious and logically sequenced, ensuring that students revisit and reinforce key concepts over time. For instance, younger students in Reception learn to identify and create patterns, which lays the groundwork for more complex mathematical concepts in later years.
Teachers employ effective strategies to assess student understanding and identify learning gaps. However, there is room for improvement in the assessment practices for subjects outside the core curriculum, as some areas do not adequately address gaps in knowledge or misunderstandings. The school is committed to enhancing these assessment methods to ensure all students receive the support they need.
Allfarthing Primary places a strong emphasis on reading, with staff trained to deliver an effective phonics program. Children in Reception are enthusiastic about learning new sounds and blending them into words. Teachers monitor student progress closely and provide necessary support to help all pupils keep pace with the phonics curriculum. The school actively promotes a culture of reading, involving parents in their children's literacy development and encouraging a love for diverse texts.
Attendance is a priority for the school, and efforts are made to work closely with families to ensure students attend regularly. The behavior of pupils is generally calm and focused, with students expressing enjoyment in their lessons and a desire to excel. The introduction of a positive points system has been well received, further motivating students to engage in their learning.
In the early years, children are encouraged to develop independence and resilience through clear expectations and structured routines. The resources available in both indoor and outdoor learning environments are carefully selected to support all areas of development, including early literacy and numeracy skills.
The school also prioritizes the development of students' character and confidence, providing opportunities for them to practice democratic principles, such as voting for school leaders. Music plays a significant role in school life, with assemblies dedicated to singing and opportunities for instrumental tuition starting in Year 3.
Staff morale is high, with leaders valuing the input of their team and considering their well-being in decision-making processes. The school ensures that workloads are manageable, contributing to a positive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at Allfarthing Primary are effective, ensuring that the welfare of students is a top priority. Moving forward, the school aims to strengthen its assessment practices in the wider curriculum to enhance students' long-term retention of knowledge. Overall, Allfarthing Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
