Hampden Gurney CofE Primary School, located in London, was inspected on February 2 and 3, 2023. The school has been rated as good overall, with outstanding ratings in behavior and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision. The quality of education and leadership and management received a good rating. This inspection marked the first routine evaluation since the school was last inspected 14 years ago, where it was rated outstanding under a previous framework. The long gap between inspections was due to the school being exempt from routine inspections until November 2020.
Pupils at Hampden Gurney are described as happy and safe, taking pride in their learning and achievements. They express enthusiasm for the various extracurricular clubs available, including coding, drama, chess, and multi-sports. The school provides effective emotional support, ensuring that pupils feel well cared for. High expectations are set for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The ambitious curriculum in the early years prepares children well for future learning, with a strong emphasis on reading from the start of their education. Pupils learn phonics early and engage with a wide range of reading materials, which helps them develop important knowledge.
The behavior of pupils is exemplary, with clear school rules in place. They are taught to recognize and respond appropriately to their emotions, and bullying is rare and effectively managed. Pupils learn about various cultures and religions, and they are educated on online safety, understanding the risks associated with sharing personal information.
The school excels in teaching reading, with highly skilled adults providing regular training and support. Early years teachers effectively promote reading by modeling phonics and providing books that match the sounds children have learned. This approach fosters fluency in reading and helps children connect ideas from different stories, enhancing their understanding of the world. Additional support is provided for pupils who need help with reading, and older pupils express enthusiasm for the books they read.
Pupils demonstrate a strong determination to succeed, with positive attitudes that contribute to their learning and achievement. Disruptive behavior is rare, and when it occurs, it is swiftly addressed. Teachers are responsive to pupils' concerns, fostering an environment where issues can be discussed openly or privately as needed. The school has created a well-designed and sequenced curriculum, with teachers employing various strategies to help pupils retain prior learning. However, there are instances where information about what pupils already know is not effectively utilized, which can hinder the building of new knowledge.
Leaders have established excellent opportunities for personal development, teaching pupils the importance of kindness and celebrating cultural diversity. The curriculum is enriched with additional activities, such as theater visits related to their reading. The school is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that pupils with special educational needs are supported and integrated into the school community.
Leaders are mindful of teacher workload, and staff report feeling supported in their roles. The governing body has a clear and ambitious vision for the school, effectively overseeing its operations. Safeguarding arrangements are robust, with staff trained to recognize signs of abuse and ensure pupil safety. Overall, Hampden Gurney CofE Primary School provides a nurturing and effective educational environment, with a strong focus on both academic and personal development.
