Islamia Primary School, located at 129 Salusbury Road, London NW6 6PE, has been assessed as a good school following its inspection on 22 and 23 February 2022. The school fosters a respectful and courteous environment where pupils conduct themselves in an orderly manner, contributing to a calm and purposeful learning atmosphere. Students are engaged and focused during lessons, and teachers promote collaboration by encouraging pupils to share their ideas.
The school prioritizes the safety and well-being of its students. Pupils feel secure and confident in discussing any concerns with the numerous adults available to support them. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, they are addressed promptly. The leadership team, including governors and teachers, maintains high expectations for all pupils, aiming for both academic success and the development of responsible citizenship. Most pupils achieve well across various subjects, demonstrating a solid recall of their learning, particularly in science and mathematics. However, there are some subjects where pupils' understanding is not as deep or secure.
Islamia Primary School offers a range of extra-curricular activities, ensuring that all pupils are included in the broader curriculum. The curriculum aligns with national standards and emphasizes the development of speaking and listening skills, as well as vocabulary acquisition. Reading is a significant focus, with daily reading practices and high-quality texts being shared with pupils.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, with leaders effectively using assessments to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The sequencing of learning is logical, allowing pupils to build on prior knowledge. For instance, Year 6 science lessons on healthy diets build on earlier learning about nutrients. However, in some subjects, particularly art and history, the implementation of curriculum aims has been inconsistent, leading to challenges in pupils recalling and applying prior knowledge as fluently as in subjects like mathematics and science.
Early reading instruction is well-planned, with clear expectations for developing fluency and accuracy. The phonics program introduced in the early years is effective, and additional support is provided for pupils at risk of falling behind. Despite this, there are instances where reading books sent home do not align perfectly with the phonics knowledge being taught, limiting opportunities for practice.
Pupils exhibit a strong desire to learn, with low levels of disruption in classrooms. They actively participate in discussions and collaborate well with peers. The school also emphasizes broader development, teaching pupils about different cultures and encouraging them to take on leadership roles within the school community.
Teachers report feeling well-supported by school leaders, who prioritize staff well-being and manage workloads effectively. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with staff receiving regular training to identify and report concerns regarding pupil welfare. Leaders collaborate with external agencies to provide additional support when necessary, ensuring that safeguarding is a shared responsibility among all staff.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to ensure that the ambitious curriculum plans are consistently implemented across all subjects, particularly in reinforcing essential content that pupils need to retain over time. Additionally, reading materials should be carefully matched to pupils' phonics knowledge to enhance their reading practice. Overall, Islamia Primary School continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, with a strong foundation for future growth and development.
