Northview Junior and Infant School is a well-regarded institution located in London, known for its strong community ties and positive reputation among parents, pupils, and staff. The recent inspection conducted in May 2022 rated the school as good across all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. Parents express high satisfaction with the school, often describing it as fantastic and praising the staff for their dedication and support. Pupils report feeling happy and safe, with a strong emphasis on kindness and respect within the diverse community. The school has established clear rules that promote positive behaviour, contributing to a harmonious environment where bullying is not perceived as an issue.
The leadership team at Northview has set high expectations for all students, designing an ambitious curriculum that broadens pupils' understanding of the world. This curriculum is inclusive, ensuring that all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are able to achieve well. Teachers are committed to maintaining high standards of behaviour, employing clear routines and effective praise to encourage positive conduct. This approach has resulted in pupils behaving sensibly and focusing well during lessons.
The school excels in its teaching practices, with teachers actively checking for understanding and adapting their instruction accordingly. For instance, in history lessons, teachers engage pupils in discussions about key points, ensuring that they grasp the material before progressing. The curriculum emphasizes the development of subject-specific skills, with pupils engaging in hands-on activities such as experiments in science and discussions in history. Early years pupils demonstrate confidence in their understanding of numbers, showcasing the effectiveness of the school's teaching methods.
Reading is prioritized at Northview, with daily reading sessions for all pupils from Nursery to Year 6. The school hosts special reading events that foster a love for reading among families. The phonics program is particularly effective, with staff demonstrating strong subject knowledge and providing targeted support to help pupils become fluent readers. This commitment to literacy ensures that pupils develop into competent and confident readers.
Support for pupils with special educational needs is exemplary, with staff utilizing visual aids and gestures to enhance understanding. Training for teaching assistants in relevant techniques further contributes to the success of these pupils. Overall, pupils exhibit excellent behaviour and attentiveness in lessons, following instructions promptly and engaging with their learning.
The school’s core values play a significant role in shaping its culture, with pupils taking pride in receiving recognition for demonstrating these values. Leaders actively promote understanding of equality and diversity, carefully selecting role models to inspire discussions about stereotypes. Staff express appreciation for the professional development opportunities available to them, which enhance their teaching skills and subject knowledge.
Safeguarding measures at Northview are robust, with a strong culture of vigilance established by leaders. Staff receive regular training and are well-informed about reporting procedures. Pupils feel safe and are knowledgeable about online safety, utilizing resources like the ‘bubble’ boards to express any concerns.
While the school has many strengths, there is a need for improvement in ensuring that all pupils retain key knowledge over time. Leaders have identified the essential content for long-term retention, but some pupils, particularly those in lower ability groups, struggle to remember important concepts. Strengthening practices to enhance memory retention will be crucial for building on prior learning and ensuring all pupils can progress effectively.
