St James and St John Church of England Primary School in London has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 30 and December 1, 2021. The school fosters a nurturing environment where pupils feel cared for, and there is a strong sense of community among staff, students, and their families. The leadership team is dedicated to ensuring that every pupil learns effectively across all subjects, consistently reflecting on their practices to seek improvement. The school maintains a calm and orderly atmosphere, providing a peaceful learning space away from the bustling surroundings of London. Pupils appreciate the use of nearby Hyde Park for educational and social activities.
The staff at the school hold high expectations for their pupils, who respond positively by remaining focused during lessons and exhibiting good behavior throughout the school. The pupils are described as polite, courteous, and considerate, with a strong belief that bullying is not an issue at the school. They enjoy forming friendships and are enthusiastic about attending school each day.
The school has made significant strides in teaching early reading, learning from experts and other institutions to enhance their approach. Children begin learning to read as soon as they enter the early years, with teachers providing books that align with the sounds they have already mastered. The leadership ensures that all pupils are able to read fluently by the end of Year 2, with additional support provided to those who require it, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The curriculum is well-structured in most subjects, with careful planning regarding what is taught and when. For instance, in mathematics, pupils develop their understanding of numbers from an early age, progressing to solving basic algebra problems by Year 6. However, there are a few subjects where the planning is less detailed, resulting in some gaps in pupils' knowledge. Leaders are aware of this and are actively working to address it.
Teachers are ambitious for all pupils to achieve well and collaborate closely with leaders to ensure appropriate support is provided. The curriculum is delivered as intended, with teachers effectively guiding pupils through manageable learning segments. This approach was particularly evident in the teaching of addition and subtraction methods. However, there are instances where teachers may not clearly communicate the key concepts pupils need to learn, leading to potential overload of information.
In subjects where the curriculum is well-developed, teachers frequently assess pupils' understanding and use this information to inform their lesson planning. Pupils are engaged in evaluating their own learning, with some expressing enjoyment in the end-of-unit assessments that help them gauge their progress. The school also emphasizes personal development, providing opportunities for pupils to learn about justice and democracy through interactions with community representatives.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior and actively participate in discussions about their learning, with minimal disruptions during lessons. Staff feel supported by approachable leaders who help manage their workload effectively. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, fostering a culture of trust and vigilance among staff and pupils. The curriculum includes essential safety education, covering topics such as cyberbullying and road safety.
While the school has made commendable progress, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that the curriculum is consistently well-planned and sequenced across all subjects. Leaders have already initiated training for staff to enhance the delivery of the newly planned curriculum, indicating a commitment to continuous improvement. Overall, St James and St John Church of England Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
