All Souls CofE Primary School, located in London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection in October 2019. The school is characterized by a positive atmosphere where pupils express happiness and a sense of safety. Leaders and staff prioritize the well-being of students, ensuring they are well-informed about online safety and providing a nurturing environment, particularly in the early years. The staff's understanding of each child's needs fosters a sense of security and belonging among the pupils.
Academic achievement is a strong focus at All Souls, with leaders and teachers committed to ensuring that every pupil reaches their full potential. The behavior of pupils is commendable; they are polite, courteous, and eager to learn. This enthusiasm contributes to a vibrant learning environment where mutual respect is evident among students and staff. Pupils demonstrate tolerance and respect for one another, and incidents of bullying are reported to be rare. When issues do arise, pupils feel confident that they can seek help from trusted adults.
The school serves a diverse multicultural community, and pupils are encouraged to celebrate their differences while recognizing their similarities. This inclusive approach is reflected in the curriculum, which emphasizes respect for various cultures, traditions, and religions. Assemblies and lessons reinforce these values, creating a cohesive school ethos.
Staff members appreciate the professional development opportunities provided by the school leadership, which contributes to their job satisfaction. They feel supported in their roles, and the manageable workload allows them to focus on delivering quality education. Pupils exhibit a strong desire to learn and engage actively in lessons, demonstrating confidence in their responses and explanations. However, there is a noted inconsistency in the presentation of their work, particularly in the wider curriculum, which does not always reflect their positive attitudes toward learning.
The early years section of the school is described as calm and purposeful, with classrooms designed to stimulate curiosity and discussion. Staff effectively promote literacy by ensuring that children have access to reading materials that align with their learning progress. Individual needs are carefully considered, allowing all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, to settle quickly and thrive in their educational journey.
Pupils with special educational needs benefit from tailored support, which helps them integrate smoothly into the school environment. Teachers plan lessons that cater to the diverse needs of all pupils, ensuring that those with additional needs receive strong support from teaching assistants. The curriculum is comprehensive, covering a wide range of subjects, and pupils are encouraged to participate in physical education, where they develop skills and engage in competitive activities.
The modern foreign language program, particularly in Spanish, is well-structured and successful, with pupils showing enthusiasm and developing effective communication skills. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in subjects like history and geography, where the curriculum lacks coherence and does not build effectively on prior knowledge. This gap in planning affects pupils' understanding and retention of information in these subjects.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities that enrich the pupils' educational experience, and participation in these activities is high. Parents and carers express satisfaction with the school's leadership and staff, with many recommending the school to others.
Safeguarding measures at All Souls are effective, with leaders ensuring compliance with necessary procedures to protect pupils. Staff are well-trained to identify and address concerns, and the school is proactive in supporting families in need.
To enhance the quality of education further, the school must focus on improving the planning and sequencing of the curriculum in history and geography. Additionally, there is a need to raise expectations regarding the presentation of pupils' work across all subjects. Leaders are aware of these areas for development and have plans in place to address them in the coming year. Overall, All Souls CofE Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
