St Boniface Roman Catholic Primary School in Tooting, London, was inspected on 23 and 24 November 2021, receiving an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has a strong focus on creating a supportive and happy environment for both staff and pupils. Leaders prioritize emotional and personal support, which is appreciated by students, as reflected in their positive feedback. Parents express confidence in the safety and well-being of their children, particularly noting the support provided during the pandemic.
The curriculum emphasizes communication skills from early years, with high expectations for pupils to use vocabulary and speak in full sentences. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as being a buddy or monitor, which they enjoy and take seriously. The school promotes respect, cooperation, and positive behavior, resulting in a harmonious atmosphere where bullying is rare. Pupils feel safe and are confident that staff will address any concerns they may have.
The school excels in language development, particularly for pupils learning English as an additional language. Staff employ various effective strategies, including visual aids, to support all learners, including those with special educational needs. The reading journey begins in Nursery, with staff ensuring that pupils read books that align with their phonics knowledge. Pupils enjoy reading and benefit from teachers who share their enthusiasm for literature. However, there are instances where support for the weakest readers could be improved, as some staff may not be as skilled in phonics instruction.
Leaders have ambitious plans for the curriculum, clearly outlining learning objectives for each subject. They understand how learning progresses from early years through to later years. For example, Reception pupils engage in practical activities, such as making biscuits, which helps them develop relevant vocabulary and prepares them for future subjects. The curriculum is designed to accommodate mixed-year group classes, but there are occasions when the work assigned to pupils does not challenge them sufficiently. Teachers sometimes fail to build on pupils' prior knowledge effectively.
Pupils are taught to manage their emotions and prioritize their well-being, with staff trained in mental health awareness. The school offers a variety of clubs and activities, which pupils enjoyed prior to the pandemic, and they look forward to their return. Governors are actively involved in the school community, regularly visiting to understand the perspectives of staff, pupils, and parents. They prioritize the well-being and workload of staff, fostering a positive community atmosphere.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Boniface are effective, with pupils feeling safe and receiving education on various safety measures, including online safety. Leaders maintain strong relationships with families and external agencies to ensure the best interests of pupils are met. Staff are vigilant in identifying signs that a pupil may need support and act quickly to address any concerns.
To improve, the school needs to enhance the support provided to the weakest readers, ensuring that all staff are equipped with the necessary skills to deliver phonics instruction effectively. Additionally, leaders should focus on ensuring that lessons are consistently challenging and build on what pupils already know. Overall, St Boniface Roman Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a good quality of education and a supportive environment for its pupils.
