St Barnabas Church of England Primary School, located in St Barnabas Street, Pimlico, London SW1W 8PF, has been recognized for its commitment to fostering a respectful and ambitious learning environment. The recent inspection highlighted the school's effective leadership, strong curriculum, and supportive atmosphere that promotes both academic and personal development among pupils.
The school is characterized by a tight-knit community where leaders actively encourage pupils to grow as respectful and ambitious learners. Parents and carers have expressed appreciation for the regular communication from school leaders regarding their children's achievements. One parent noted, The leadership team really know and care about children here.
The curriculum is well-rounded and designed to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils feel safe and enjoy their learning experiences, demonstrating respect for one another. The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, and incidents of unkind behavior are addressed swiftly by the leadership team.
Leaders have implemented high-quality opportunities for personal development, including a variety of clubs such as a popular cooking club. All pupils learn to play the violin from Reception until Year 2, with some continuing until Year 6. The school also emphasizes democratic values, allowing pupils to participate in elections through a pupil parliament.
Strengths of the School:
- Curriculum Design and Implementation:
The school has developed a broad and well-balanced curriculum that is continually refined, resulting in strong pupil outcomes in reading, writing, and mathematics by the end of Year 6. Subject leaders demonstrate strong curriculum thinking, particularly in mathematics.
- Teaching and Learning:
Teachers are committed to ensuring that pupils learn and remember the planned curriculum, especially in core subjects like English, mathematics, and science. Regular assessments help teachers gauge pupil understanding and inform future learning.
- Support for SEND Pupils:
Leaders provide appropriate support for pupils with SEND, ensuring that those who need extra help receive it within the classroom setting.
- Reading Curriculum:
A strong emphasis on reading is evident throughout the school, starting from early years. Teachers engage pupils with a variety of stories, poems, and songs, fostering a love for reading.
- Positive Relationships:
There are strong, professional relationships between staff and pupils. Teachers promote a focused learning environment, and pupils report that they are treated equally and fairly.
- Personal Development Opportunities:
The school takes advantage of its location to provide pupils with enriching experiences, such as visits to local art galleries and concert halls. Lessons on healthy relationships and family diversity are integrated into the curriculum.
Areas for Improvement:
- Curriculum Implementation in Foundation Subjects:
In some foundation subjects, the intended curriculum is not delivered as envisioned, leading to variability in pupils' recall of essential knowledge. Leaders should ensure that the curriculum is implemented faithfully across all subjects.
- Adaptation for SEND Pupils:
There is a need for deeper consideration of how the curriculum can be adapted for pupils with SEND. Leaders should clarify the intended learning for these pupils and ensure that adaptations are made to support their learning effectively.
Safeguarding:
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place. Leaders have fostered a culture where all staff feel responsible for safeguarding. Staff are well-trained to identify potential risks to children and take appropriate action. Regular communication with external agencies and parents further supports the safeguarding framework.
Conclusion:
St Barnabas Church of England Primary School is a nurturing environment where pupils thrive academically and personally. With a strong leadership team and a commitment to continuous improvement, the school is well-positioned to address the identified areas for development while maintaining its high standards of education and care.
School Details:
- Unique Reference Number: 101126
- Local Authority: Westminster
- Type of School: Primary
- School Category: Voluntary Aided
- Age Range of Pupils: 3 to 11
- Gender of Pupils: Mixed
- Number of Pupils on Roll: 139
- Chair of Governing Body: Kate McCarthy
- Headteacher: Rachel Jewitt
- Website: www.stbarnabasprimary.org.uk
This report reflects the findings of the inspection team and provides a comprehensive overview of the school's performance and areas for growth.
