Smitham Primary School, located in Coulsdon, Surrey, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 19 and 20, 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel safe and are encouraged to demonstrate respect and responsibility through the school's SMART behaviors, which emphasize being sensible, well-mannered, accepting, respectful, and trustworthy. This nurturing atmosphere contributes to a calm and orderly school environment, enhancing students' enthusiasm for learning.
The leadership at Smitham Primary School is characterized by high ambitions for all pupils, reflected in a well-structured curriculum designed to prepare students for future educational stages. From early years onward, pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, embodying the school's learning behaviors of collaboration, resilience, reflectivity, and challenge. The curriculum is ambitious and thoughtfully organized, allowing pupils to develop a deep understanding of various subjects over time. For instance, in mathematics, early years students build foundational skills through counting, which they later apply to more complex concepts like multiplication and geometry.
Pupils are given numerous opportunities to take on responsibilities, such as serving on the school council or participating in community activities like delivering Christmas gifts. These roles are taken seriously, with students actively engaging in projects like designing a well-being garden. Older pupils also support younger peers in reading and mathematics, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. The school promotes a love of reading, with initiatives like pupil librarians and reading clubs that encourage students to explore literature together.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement, particularly in ensuring that assessments consistently focus on the most critical knowledge that pupils need to retain. In some subjects, checks on understanding do not always target essential content, leading to gaps in knowledge for some students. Addressing this issue will help solidify pupils' understanding and retention of key concepts.
Reading is prioritized from the early years, with staff trained to implement a phonics program effectively. Pupils receive ample time to practice reading with appropriately matched books, and those needing extra support are quickly identified and assisted. This approach has resulted in pupils becoming fluent and confident readers, with a strong culture of reading throughout the school.
The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring that their individual requirements are communicated to staff and that appropriate adaptations are made to support their learning. This commitment allows SEND pupils to access the curriculum effectively.
Smitham Primary School offers extensive enrichment opportunities, including educational visits that complement the curriculum. Recent trips, such as a visit to the British Museum, enhance students' learning experiences. The school also provides a well-structured personal, social, and health education curriculum, addressing important topics like mental health and well-being.
Governance at the school is strong, with governors demonstrating a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development. They effectively challenge school leaders and fulfill their statutory responsibilities. Teachers appreciate the support they receive from leadership, particularly regarding workload and well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at Smitham Primary School are effective, with staff trained to identify and report concerns. The curriculum includes lessons on safety, including online safety and consent, ensuring that pupils are well-informed about how to protect themselves.
Overall, Smitham Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong emphasis on pupil well-being, academic achievement, and community involvement. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address areas for improvement to further enhance the educational experience for all its pupils.
