St Anne's CofE Primary School, located at 208 St Ann's Hill, Wandsworth, London SW18 2RU, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on February 22 and 23, 2023. This report provides an in-depth look at the school's environment, educational practices, and areas for improvement.
Pupils at St Anne's are notably happy and feel safe within the school environment. The presence of caring staff contributes to a sense of security among students. The school promotes a culture of respect and responsibility, where pupils are well-behaved and eager to learn. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, they are addressed promptly by school leaders.
The school emphasizes the importance of community involvement. Pupils participate in various activities that foster a sense of responsibility and connection to the wider community. For instance, students showcase their musical talents during performances at the local church, particularly during significant celebrations.
St Anne's has an ambitious curriculum designed to support all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to produce high-quality work across different subjects. Leaders have identified key knowledge that pupils should acquire, ensuring that learning is sequenced logically. This approach helps students build on their previous knowledge and prepares them for future learning stages.
Reading is a priority at St Anne's, with a robust phonics program in place. This program enables pupils to learn to read effectively from an early age. Staff ensure that reading materials are appropriately matched to the pupils' phonetic knowledge, which aids in developing their reading accuracy and fluency. The school fosters a strong reading culture through storytelling sessions and carefully selected books, encouraging a love for reading among students.
In subjects like science and mathematics, the curriculum is designed to build knowledge progressively. For example, younger pupils learn about animals and their habitats, which lays the groundwork for more complex concepts such as adaptation and evolution in later years. Similarly, foundational skills in mathematics are developed early, preparing pupils for more advanced topics in subsequent grades.
Despite the strengths of St Anne's, there are areas that require attention. In a few subjects, the key knowledge that leaders expect pupils to learn has not been clearly defined. This lack of clarity can lead to pupils recalling isolated facts without building a cumulative understanding, making it challenging for them to make connections and develop deeper insights.
The school excels in identifying and supporting pupils with SEND. Staff are well-trained to understand the specific needs of these pupils and implement strategies to help them succeed. Adaptations, such as additional visual and language support, ensure that these students can access the same curriculum as their peers.
Pupils exhibit highly positive behaviour and attitudes towards learning. The school environment is calm and focused, with minimal disruption during lessons. This conducive atmosphere allows for effective teaching and learning.
Staff at St Anne's report high levels of job satisfaction, describing the school as a supportive family environment. Leaders prioritize staff well-being and workload, fostering a collaborative and positive workplace culture.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place. Leaders have established clear procedures to ensure the safety of pupils, and staff are well-trained to identify and report any concerns. The curriculum includes lessons on staying safe, both online and in the community.
In conclusion, St Anne's CofE Primary School continues to be a good school, characterized by a supportive environment, a strong curriculum, and a commitment to the well-being of both pupils and staff. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in defining key knowledge in certain subjects, the overall educational experience at St Anne's is positive and enriching. The school's dedication to fostering a love of learning and community engagement positions it well for continued success in the future.
