Queen’s Park Primary School, located in London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection in November 2022. The school is characterized by a friendly and nurturing environment where pupils demonstrate kindness and consideration towards one another. The behavior of students is commendable, both in lessons and during transitions around the school, contributing to a happy atmosphere. Instances of bullying are rare, and when unkind behavior is observed, teachers respond promptly to address the issue. The strong relationships between pupils and staff foster a sense of safety, allowing students to express their concerns and feel heard.
Pupils exhibit confidence in discussing their learning and take pride in their achievements. They actively engage with the local community, exemplified by their initiative to write letters to the local council proposing the use of a donated piece of land for a well-being area. The school encourages student involvement in decision-making processes, such as electing classmates to leadership roles within the school council. The leadership team maintains high expectations for student achievement and ensures that the curriculum is effectively delivered.
Parents and carers appreciate the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the school. The school excels in teaching reading from the outset, with well-trained teachers and teaching assistants implementing a consistent phonics program. This approach helps pupils develop reading skills with fluency and enthusiasm. Reading materials are carefully matched to the sounds pupils have learned, and additional support is provided to those who struggle with reading.
The curriculum is designed to meet the national standards, with leaders identifying key knowledge and skills for pupils to retain from early years through Year 6. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that knowledge is taught in a logical sequence across all subjects. This will help pupils better connect new information with their existing knowledge, enhancing retention of key concepts.
Teachers receive effective training and support, particularly in subjects outside their expertise, allowing them to deliver content clearly. They are adept at identifying pupils who require extra assistance, particularly in mathematics, where they use targeted questioning to clarify understanding. The school adapts learning to meet the diverse needs of pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can access the curriculum alongside their peers.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities that are well-attended, and leaders invite guest speakers to educate pupils on safety and emotional regulation. High expectations for behavior are evident, with pupils demonstrating positive attitudes towards learning, which minimizes disruptions in the classroom.
Governors are committed to the school’s success and work collaboratively with leaders to support staff well-being. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff well-trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. Leaders prioritize the safety and welfare of pupils, teaching them about online safety and healthy relationships.
In summary, Queen’s Park Primary School is a good school that provides a supportive and engaging learning environment. While it excels in many areas, particularly in reading instruction and community involvement, there is a need to enhance the logical sequencing of the curriculum to further improve student learning outcomes. The commitment of staff, governors, and the leadership team contributes to the overall positive experience for pupils and their families.