Forestdale Primary School, located in Croydon, Surrey, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 4 and 5, 2022. The pupils express a strong sense of pride in their school, finding their learning both enjoyable and stimulating. They actively engage in classroom discussions and demonstrate kindness, politeness, and courtesy towards one another. The supportive environment fosters trust between pupils and staff, ensuring that students feel safe and cared for. The school emphasizes its core values of success, thoughtfulness, aspiration, respect, and support, which pupils strive to embody in their academic pursuits, particularly in reading and mathematics.
In instances of bullying, the school takes prompt and effective action, with older students showing a caring attitude towards younger peers. The leadership encourages pupils to take on leadership roles, with students eager to share how they have influenced school decisions, such as the creation of a peace garden and outdoor gym. The school maintains strong communication with parents and carers, providing valuable information to help them support their children’s learning at home. Parents appreciate the approachability of the leadership team and commend their efforts during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
The curriculum at Forestdale Primary School is well-structured in certain subjects, particularly mathematics, where it builds on prior learning effectively. From early years, children develop a solid understanding of numbers, laying a strong foundation for future learning. Teachers regularly assess pupil progress, ensuring that lessons are engaging and that students can articulate their knowledge confidently. However, in some subjects, such as geography, the curriculum is still evolving, with unclear expectations regarding the essential knowledge pupils should acquire over time. This has resulted in some pupils not achieving their full potential in these areas.
Teachers effectively use assessments to identify gaps in learning, particularly in history, where they have adapted the curriculum to address missed content due to the pandemic. In early years, staff have received training to support children who may be lagging in language development, ensuring that all pupils can catch up swiftly. Reading is a priority for the school, with a goal for all pupils to read fluently by the end of Year 2. A comprehensive phonics program is in place, and most pupils quickly grasp their letter sounds. However, a small number of pupils struggle to keep pace, and targeted support is necessary to enhance their reading fluency.
The school fosters a love of reading, with daily read-aloud sessions and an exciting selection of books available for pupils. Those with special educational needs and disabilities are identified early, and tailored support is provided throughout their time at the school. The transition from nursery to Reception is smooth, with teachers actively engaging with each child's individual needs.
Pupils enjoy a variety of extracurricular activities, with numerous after-school and lunchtime clubs available. They appreciate the collaborative learning environment, where sharing resources is common, and disruptions during lessons are rare. Staff feel supported by leadership in managing their workload, with sufficient time allocated for task completion.
The safeguarding arrangements at Forestdale Primary School are effective, with staff receiving regular training to ensure pupil safety. They are vigilant in reporting concerns, and leaders work closely with external agencies to secure positive outcomes for at-risk pupils. The curriculum includes essential lessons on internet safety and personal privacy.
To improve further, the school needs to enhance targeted support for pupils struggling with reading fluency and ensure that the curriculum is well-planned and sequenced across all subjects. Leaders are already taking steps to address these areas, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.
