Northside Primary School, located in North Finchley, London, was inspected on March 7 and 8, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as behavior and attitudes, and personal development receiving outstanding ratings. The quality of education and early years provision were also rated as good, while leadership and management were deemed good as well. The school had previously been rated outstanding in its last inspection 14 years ago, reflecting a significant period of time without routine inspections due to legal exemptions.
Pupils at Northside Primary School express appreciation for the care and support provided by the staff, which contributes to high levels of attendance and punctuality. The school environment is described as exciting and engaging, with leaders maintaining high expectations for academic achievement. The curriculum is well-planned, allowing pupils to learn effectively across various subjects, supplemented by engaging curriculum days that foster a sense of community among students.
The school promotes a positive atmosphere where pupils behave exceptionally well, demonstrating politeness and respect. They are encouraged to embody the school’s values, which has positively influenced their attitudes towards learning. Pupils are educated about bullying and understand the importance of reporting any concerns, with staff addressing issues promptly.
Northside Primary offers a wide range of extracurricular clubs, including gardening, netball, and basketball, which are well-attended. Many pupils participate in music lessons and concerts, and they appreciate events organized by the school that promote understanding and consideration for others, fostering an inclusive environment.
Leaders have established clear academic expectations and a broad curriculum enriched by various experiences outside the classroom. The teaching of core subjects like English, mathematics, and science is effective, ensuring that pupils secure their knowledge. However, in some wider curriculum subjects, the delivery may not focus sufficiently on developing pupils' understanding of key concepts, which can hinder their ability to connect new learning with prior knowledge.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with early years pupils receiving a solid foundation in phonics and reading skills. The reading curriculum is designed around a diverse selection of texts, enhancing pupils' vocabulary and enjoyment of literature. While the early years curriculum effectively supports language development, there is a need for improvement in how vocabulary is taught in other year groups.
In the early years, children engage in enjoyable learning activities that promote physical skills and social interaction. Older pupils consistently demonstrate kindness and respect, reflecting the high expectations set for behavior and attendance. The school community promotes inclusion, effectively catering for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they are fully involved in lessons.
The personal, social, health, and economic education program is robust, encouraging awareness of inclusion and pride. Educational trips enrich the curriculum, and pupils are given opportunities to take on leadership roles, fostering confidence and resilience. Leaders and staff are dedicated to providing the best possible start for pupils, with governors actively supporting school improvements.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety established within the school. Staff are well-trained to identify and support vulnerable pupils, and pupils are educated on online safety. Overall, while the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement in the delivery of the curriculum in certain subjects to enhance long-term knowledge retention and understanding.
