Falconbrook Primary School, located in Battersea, London, received a positive inspection report following its evaluation from February 5 to 6, 2020. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management receiving outstanding ratings. The quality of education was also deemed good, while early years provision was rated as good as well. The school has maintained a good standard since its previous inspection in March 2016.
Pupils express a strong sense of happiness and safety at Falconbrook, attributing their positive feelings to the understanding and support they receive from teachers. The school fosters an environment where kindness and caring for one another are emphasized. Leaders at the school have high aspirations for their students, and pupils reciprocate this by setting high expectations for themselves and demonstrating commitment to their learning, resulting in commendable academic achievements.
Classroom behavior is exemplary, with pupils showing focus and cooperation during lessons. They engage positively with one another during break times, and instances of bullying are reported to be minimal. Pupils feel confident that staff address any issues seriously and effectively. The school promotes self-discipline among students, encouraging them to behave well for intrinsic reasons rather than solely for rewards.
The school leadership has cultivated a culture of mutual respect, with strong relationships among pupils and staff. Opportunities for pupils to learn responsibility are abundant, including roles such as eco-warriors and PATH pals. Recognizing that not all pupils have access to extracurricular activities outside of school, teachers provide a variety of experiences that broaden students' understanding of the world. Special events like storytelling week and science week enhance pupils' enjoyment of school.
The curriculum at Falconbrook has been thoughtfully developed, building on previous frameworks to ensure that it meets the needs of pupils across different year groups. Lessons are engaging, and pupils demonstrate enthusiasm and engagement in their learning. The school has implemented a consistent approach to teaching mathematics, which has proven effective in helping pupils grasp new concepts and solve problems successfully.
Reading instruction is a priority, with staff receiving high-quality training to ensure pupils develop fluency. Regular assessments help teachers tailor their instruction to meet individual needs. However, there is a noted area for improvement regarding the matching of reading materials to the specific phonics knowledge of less able pupils.
In the early years, the school excels in enhancing children's language skills, fostering confidence and encouraging inquisitiveness through well-planned activities. The provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is strong, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers while promoting independence.
Leaders are committed to providing a broad range of experiences beyond the classroom, with a significant number of pupils participating in extracurricular activities. Partnerships with local organizations enrich the curriculum and prepare pupils for future transitions, such as moving to secondary school.
The school’s leadership, including governors, has a clear vision for improving pupils' life chances and effectively monitors the school's performance. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff well-trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. Overall, Falconbrook Primary School demonstrates a commitment to high standards in education and the well-being of its pupils, with clear areas identified for ongoing development.
