Our Lady of the Visitation Catholic Primary School, located on Greenford Road in Greenford, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 19 and 20 October 2022. The school fosters a close-knit community where both staff and pupils take pride in their environment. The well-being and safety of pupils are prioritized, with staff actively ensuring that all students feel included and supported. Playground monitors play a vital role in assisting those who may feel lonely or sad, contributing to a friendly atmosphere where making friends is easy.
Pupils express a strong sense of responsibility towards one another, striving to earn the ‘citizen of the week’ award by demonstrating kindness and helpfulness. Instances of bullying or friendship issues are addressed promptly by staff, reinforcing a culture of respect and care. The leadership team sets high expectations, particularly in the early years, where children are taught clear routines and the importance of good manners. This foundation helps cultivate well-behaved pupils who are eager to succeed academically.
The school offers a broad and ambitious curriculum, which pupils enjoy. Subjects such as computing, music, and design and technology are well-received, and pupils achieve high standards across the board. The identification of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is accurate, and teachers adapt their methods to ensure these pupils can access the learning effectively. Early years staff prepare children well for their transition to Year 1 and beyond.
Leaders have structured the curriculum into sequences of lessons, allowing teachers to follow clear plans that outline the knowledge and skills pupils need to acquire. This systematic approach aids in building pupils' understanding over time. For instance, in history, pupils learn about British history in chronological order, which helps them grasp the evolution of concepts like democracy and justice. In mathematics, prior knowledge of equivalent fractions supports current learning on adding fractions. However, the curriculum for Spanish is still being developed and lacks the same level of planning as other subjects.
Reading is a priority at the school, with pupils enjoying visits to the library. The teaching of early reading is well-structured, with staff trained to deliver phonics consistently. Pupils receive ample opportunities to practice their phonics skills, and those who struggle receive the necessary support to catch up. Nonetheless, some aspects of the phonics program require further establishment, as not all activities are optimally selected to enhance learning.
Vocabulary development is emphasized across all subjects, with leaders identifying key terms that pupils need to learn. Teachers employ various strategies to reinforce learning and regularly check pupils' understanding, addressing misconceptions promptly. The school promotes British values, teaching pupils to be tolerant and respectful of others. Pupils take their responsibilities seriously, participating in the school council and engaging in charitable activities.
Staff report that school leaders are approachable and considerate of their well-being, actively seeking to reduce workload through collaborative planning and reviewing policies. The governing body plays an active role in supporting the school’s leadership. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns, ensuring that pupils receive appropriate support.
To improve, the school should ensure that phonics activities are consistently well-selected to enhance learning and that the Spanish curriculum is developed to match the quality of other subjects. Overall, Our Lady of the Visitation Catholic Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
