St Andrew's Southgate Primary School, located at 297 Chase Road, Southgate, N14 6JA, is a voluntary aided primary school that has been recognized for its commitment to providing quality education. The school caters to children aged 4 to 11 and has a current enrollment of 207 pupils. The latest inspection, conducted on September 25-26, 2019, reaffirmed the school's status as a good educational institution.
The atmosphere at St Andrew's Southgate Primary School is one of warmth and inclusivity. Pupils express enthusiasm about attending school, highlighting the care and support they receive from staff. The school promotes a strong sense of community, with students taking pride in their learning environment. The introduction of a new library has further fueled students' love for reading, making it a focal point of their educational experience.
The behaviour of pupils is commendable, both in lessons and during playtimes. Students are eager to participate in class discussions and demonstrate respect towards their peers and teachers. The school places a strong emphasis on safety, with pupils feeling secure and well-supported. They are educated on online safety from an early age, and there are effective measures in place to address any concerns regarding bullying.
St Andrew's Southgate Primary School integrates its six key Christian values into daily life, fostering a moral framework that guides students in their interactions and decision-making. This approach enhances their personal development and enriches their understanding of community and respect for others.
The school offers a well-structured curriculum, particularly excelling in English and mathematics. Pupils achieve commendable results across key stages, thanks to a curriculum that is tailored to meet diverse needs and abilities. The leadership team is dedicated to ensuring that the curriculum remains engaging and covers a broad spectrum of subjects.
Reading is a priority at St Andrew's, with a focus on developing a lifelong love for literature. The school has invested in a diverse range of books and resources, and the introduction of reading tutors—older pupils assisting younger ones—has proven beneficial. Phonics instruction begins early, with Year 1 pupils making significant progress in their reading skills.
Mathematics is taught effectively, with students quickly developing their number and calculation skills. The curriculum encourages problem-solving and application of knowledge, with pupils demonstrating confidence in their abilities.
The school has made strides in enhancing its geography curriculum, with pupils engaging in topics related to renewable energy and climate change. However, there is a need for further development in certain areas of geography to ensure comprehensive coverage of the subject.
While computing is included in the curriculum, there is room for improvement in depth and relevance. Current coding activities are basic and do not fully align with the pupils' age and abilities. Plans are in place to enhance this aspect of the curriculum in the future.
St Andrew's Southgate Primary School provides robust support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Individualized planning ensures that these students receive the necessary resources and attention to thrive academically.
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs and cultural trips, which contribute to the holistic development of pupils. These opportunities allow students to explore their interests beyond the classroom and foster a sense of community.
Recent enhancements to the Reception Year have resulted in improved classroom and outdoor spaces. New equipment and safety measures have been implemented, allowing children to engage in physical activities and play more freely.
The school has effective safeguarding measures in place, with a well-maintained single central record of staff checks. Staff training is up to date, and there is a strong awareness of local issues that may affect pupils. Parents express confidence in the school's ability to keep their children safe.
While St Andrew's Southgate Primary School has many strengths, there are areas identified for improvement:
- Computing Curriculum: The school needs to ensure that the computing curriculum is more comprehensive and age-appropriate.
- Reading Resources: For early readers, it is essential that books align with the phonics sounds they have learned to boost confidence and fluency.
- Geography Opportunities: Pupils require more chances to record their work and explore various aspects of geography, particularly locational geography.
In conclusion, St Andrew's Southgate Primary School continues to be a good school, characterized by a supportive environment, strong academic performance, and a commitment to the personal development of its pupils. With ongoing efforts to address areas for improvement, the school is well-positioned to enhance its educational offerings and maintain its reputation as a quality institution in the community.
