Viking Primary School, located in Northolt, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 7 and 8, 2023. The school is committed to ensuring that pupils are well cared for, with leaders and staff demonstrating a strong understanding of their students and their families. This supportive environment fosters a sense of happiness and safety among pupils, who receive effective pastoral care.
The leadership team at Viking Primary School has high expectations for all students, encouraging them to strive for their best. Pupils engage actively in their lessons and are generally making good progress across a broad curriculum. Respect is a fundamental value within the school, with pupils treating each other and staff with kindness. Each year, students commit to a behavior charter that outlines expected conduct, and any instances of bullying are addressed swiftly and effectively.
The school provides numerous opportunities for pupils to engage with the wider world, enhancing their understanding of various careers through interactions with professionals. Initiatives such as the junior travel ambassadors program allow students to contribute to community projects, like creating safer school streets. Additionally, pupils experience democratic processes firsthand by electing their school council leaders and participating in a selection process for other leadership roles, which helps them develop essential leadership skills.
Viking Primary School has implemented a well-structured curriculum that encompasses a wide range of subjects, each with ambitious learning goals. While most subjects have clearly defined learning sequences, there are a few areas where the essential concepts for pupil understanding have not been as clearly articulated. This gap can hinder the depth of knowledge pupils acquire in those subjects.
Teachers at the school effectively deliver the curriculum, employing strategies that support pupil learning. They break down complex ideas into manageable parts, which benefits all students, including those with special educational needs. Teachers assess prior knowledge before introducing new content, ensuring that pupils build on their existing understanding. For instance, in history, students can accurately place past events on a timeline due to their solid grasp of chronology.
Assessment practices are in place to identify gaps in pupil knowledge, particularly in mathematics, where some weaknesses in understanding numbers and place value have been noted. These issues are largely attributed to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, leaders have refined the curriculum and adapted teaching methods, resulting in improved pupil understanding and application of mathematical concepts.
The curriculum also emphasizes the importance of subject-specific vocabulary, although there are instances where teaching does not reinforce this understanding adequately. For example, pupils sometimes struggle to use mathematical terms correctly. Overall, pupils engage well in discussions and collaborate effectively, with minimal disruptions to learning.
Beyond academics, the school offers enriching experiences, such as forest school activities and educational trips to galleries and museums, which broaden pupils' horizons. Early reading instruction is prioritized, with a structured phonics program in place that begins in Nursery and continues through to Year 1. This approach ensures that pupils develop strong reading skills early on, with additional support provided for those who need it.
Staff at Viking Primary School report high levels of job satisfaction, citing approachable leadership and a focus on well-being. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks to pupil welfare. The school maintains effective communication with external agencies to ensure the best outcomes for students.
In summary, Viking Primary School continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment, with a focus on high expectations, respect, and a well-rounded curriculum that prepares pupils for future success.
