Monkfrith Primary School, located in London, has recently undergone an inspection on the 17th and 18th of October 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, with specific areas such as behaviour and attitudes receiving an outstanding rating. The quality of education, personal development, and leadership and management have also been rated as good, while early years provision has been recognized as outstanding. This inspection marks a significant evaluation since the previous outstanding rating in September 2011.
Pupils at Monkfrith Primary School exhibit happiness and trust in the adults around them, feeling secure to express any concerns. Their behaviour is described as calm and orderly, with a strong positive attitude towards learning. The school has established high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Consequently, most pupils are motivated to achieve well across various subjects.
The school encourages pupils to engage actively in school life through roles such as student council members and environmental protectors. These responsibilities foster a sense of importance among pupils, who appreciate initiatives aimed at environmental protection. The school also provides a variety of activities that promote personal development, including educational trips and residential visits for older students. Additionally, a wide range of clubs, such as dance and football, are available, and pupils enjoy learning musical instruments and performing.
Leaders at Monkfrith Primary School have designed an ambitious curriculum that builds on pupils' diverse starting points. In most subjects, the curriculum outlines the vocabulary, knowledge, and skills that pupils should acquire as they progress. Teachers effectively break down learning into manageable steps and adapt their teaching methods as necessary. However, there are instances where the activities chosen by teachers do not align well with the intended learning outcomes, which can hinder pupils' understanding.
Teachers frequently recap previous learning to reinforce essential knowledge, and most utilize questioning effectively to gauge pupils' comprehension. In mathematics, ample opportunities for practice enable pupils to tackle increasingly complex problems. The school maintains a high standard of behaviour, with low-level disruption being rare. Pupils arrive on time, ready to learn, and attendance is consistently high.
The school prioritizes reading, with staff well-equipped to teach reading skills. A consistent phonics approach is implemented, and leaders promptly identify pupils who may be falling behind, ensuring they receive the necessary support. Pupils enjoy reading and have access to a diverse range of engaging texts.
In the early years, children make a positive start to their education, displaying curiosity and engagement. High-quality interactions from adults help children develop essential knowledge and vocabulary. The curriculum is tailored to account for children's prior knowledge and experiences, emphasizing communication and language skills.
Governors are actively involved in the school, providing support and challenge to drive continuous improvement. Staff appreciate the support from senior leaders, who consider their workload and well-being. Parents express positive feedback regarding the school's impact on their children.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement. In some subjects, the clarity of progression through the curriculum could be enhanced, ensuring that staff focus adequately on the vocabulary, knowledge, and skills pupils should learn. A review of the curriculum and refinement of staff training in these subjects would be beneficial. Overall, Monkfrith Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering personal development among its pupils.
