John Keble C of E Primary School in London received a positive inspection report, reflecting its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on June 14 and 15, 2023, and the school has maintained this good rating since its previous inspection in March 2018. The school is characterized by a nurturing and inclusive environment where all pupils feel welcomed and valued. Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction with the care and support their children receive from the school's leaders and staff. The school fosters a culture where pupils can grow individually while contributing to the community.
Leaders at John Keble have established high expectations for pupil behavior and learning, which is evident in the calm and considerate manner in which pupils conduct themselves both in class and around the school. The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, and leaders actively collaborate with parents to support learning at home. The curriculum is ambitious and designed with clear expectations, although some subjects have more recently established expectations that may not yet fully support the development of pupils' knowledge.
Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles within the school, such as the literacy leaders who have successfully reorganized the reading area known as the Book Nook. This initiative has created a calm space for pupils to enjoy reading. The curriculum is well-planned and sequenced, covering a broad range of subjects that align with national standards. Teachers effectively check pupils' understanding in most subjects, identifying gaps in knowledge and addressing them appropriately. However, in some newly introduced areas, the checks on pupils' learning are not as robust, leading to inconsistencies in addressing gaps in understanding.
Reading is prioritized at the school, with staff ensuring that reading materials are matched to pupils' phonetic knowledge. Those at risk of falling behind receive timely support, contributing to a strong culture of reading. The early years curriculum has seen significant improvements under new leadership, focusing on communication and language development. Parents are involved in their children's early education, ensuring a strong start.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, adapting to meet the needs of an increasing number of pupils with complex requirements. While additional support is provided, there are instances where it may not be sufficiently focused on helping pupils overcome learning barriers. Leaders are aware of the need to enhance the precision of support provided to ensure all pupils can access the curriculum effectively.
Pupils are encouraged to develop their character and leadership skills, with opportunities to participate in school assemblies and discussions about their future aspirations. Staff report high levels of job satisfaction, noting that leaders are considerate of their workload and well-being. The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding established. Staff are well-trained to identify and address any concerns regarding pupil safety.
Overall, while John Keble C of E Primary School demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that the curriculum is fully embedded across all subjects and that support for pupils with additional needs is consistently effective. Leaders are encouraged to continue their efforts to address these areas to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
