Purley Oaks Primary School, located in South Croydon, Surrey, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, receiving a Good rating in various aspects including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school is characterized by a welcoming and caring environment, where pupils from diverse backgrounds feel safe and happy. The staff is dedicated to providing a rich educational experience, ensuring that all pupils are encouraged to work hard and behave well. The school promotes a culture of excellence, and instances of poor behavior are managed effectively, contributing to a calm and orderly atmosphere.
The school plays a significant role in the local community, with a leadership team that operates a children's center on-site, offering various services to parents and carers. Parents express high satisfaction with the school, often referring to it as a hidden gem and their first choice for their children. The school aims to prepare pupils for secondary education and societal contributions, providing a broad curriculum and extracurricular activities. Subjects are often taught thematically, enhancing the connection between reading and writing tasks. However, some subjects, such as French, design and technology, and geography, are not taught with the same depth as others.
Lessons are sequenced to build knowledge progressively, allowing pupils to connect prior learning with new concepts. For instance, Year 5 pupils demonstrated an understanding of historical events leading up to the Roman invasion of Britain, having previously studied the Celts. The school fosters a love of the arts, with pupils engaging in music and physical education, and they have opportunities to learn different musical instruments each year. The library is well-resourced, promoting a wide range of reading materials that broaden pupils' interests.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. The teaching of phonics needs enhancement, with a focus on ensuring that staff receive adequate training to provide consistent instruction. Additionally, the weakest early readers require better-matched reading materials to build their confidence and accuracy. The support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is an area identified for development, as teachers need to adapt the curriculum more effectively to meet these pupils' needs.
The early years team is well-informed about the children, using initial assessments to plan appropriate activities. Children in the early years exhibit good behavior and engage positively with one another. The school encourages parental involvement in their children's learning, offering workshops and an open-door policy for parents to participate in lessons.
The headteacher and leadership team are respected by staff, pupils, and parents, fostering a supportive environment with high staff morale. Governors contribute valuable experience and work closely with school leaders to drive improvements. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns, ensuring pupils' welfare is prioritized.
In summary, Purley Oaks Primary School is a well-regarded institution that provides a good quality of education and a supportive environment for its pupils. While there are areas for growth, particularly in phonics instruction and support for SEND pupils, the school is committed to continuous improvement and fostering a positive learning experience for all students.
