Salusbury Primary School, located in Kilburn, London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 11-12, 2019. The school is characterized by a welcoming atmosphere where pupils are polite and eager to share their positive experiences. They feel safe and secure within the school environment, which fosters a sense of community and belonging. The pupils demonstrate respect for their teachers and appreciate the efforts made to create engaging and rewarding lessons. Their behavior is commendable, both in classrooms and throughout the school, reflecting their response to the high expectations set by their educators.
The school offers a diverse range of activities that enrich the educational experience beyond the standard curriculum. Pupils participate in various sports, arts, music, and language clubs, and they frequently visit the local library to enhance their reading skills. They engage in imaginative activities such as Spanish day and collaborations with partner schools in The Gambia, as well as celebrating Black History Month. This variety contributes to their enthusiasm for learning and helps them develop a well-rounded understanding of different cultures and histories.
Salusbury Primary School emphasizes the importance of tolerance and fairness through its curriculum, which effectively reduces instances of bullying. The school’s leadership is committed to upholding its values, ensuring that pupils are kind and supportive of one another. Parents and caregivers generally express satisfaction with the school, often recommending it to others.
The school has maintained a good quality of education, with leaders demonstrating ambition for all pupils. They have carefully planned the curriculum, ensuring that learning objectives are met in a logical and imaginative manner. The teaching of early reading is prioritized, with systematic phonics instruction beginning in the early years. Teachers and assistants have received extensive professional development, enabling them to effectively support pupils in their reading journey. As a result, pupils achieve high scores in phonics assessments by the end of Year 1.
In subjects like mathematics and history, lessons are structured to build on prior knowledge, allowing pupils to progress confidently to more challenging material. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in science, where recent planning is still in its early stages. Some teachers lack the necessary confidence and expertise to deliver the science curriculum effectively, which can hinder the learning of pupils, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The school provides a wide array of extracurricular activities, including art, modern languages, and drama, which pupils enjoy. They also celebrate various cultural festivals, enhancing their understanding of diversity. Overall, pupils exhibit calm and sensible behavior, showing respect for their peers and adults alike.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with leaders collaborating with parents and external agencies to create a strong safeguarding culture. Staff are well-trained to recognize and address any concerns, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported. Parents and staff generally agree that pupils are happy and safe at school.
To further improve, the school needs to ensure that the planning and implementation of the science curriculum align with the high standards seen in other subjects. Additionally, timely support for pupils with special educational needs and disadvantaged pupils must be enhanced to ensure equitable access to the curriculum. Regular communication with parents regarding their children's achievements across all subjects is also essential for fostering a collaborative educational environment.
