St Michael’s Church of England Primary School in Enfield has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 18 and 19, 2022. The school is characterized by a friendly, caring, and welcoming environment where pupils express enjoyment in attending. They describe their teachers as kind and helpful, and there is a strong culture of respect among staff and students. The school promotes its motto, Seek Joy in Service, fostering a sense of community that feels like a family.
Leadership at the school is committed to high expectations for all pupils, aiming to cultivate leadership qualities. The curriculum is broad and well-structured, allowing pupils to choose their level of challenge and explore topics of interest, which is particularly beneficial for those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils demonstrate a strong desire to excel, moving calmly around the school and displaying good behavior. Any incidents of misbehavior are promptly addressed by staff, and pupils feel confident that any bullying will be dealt with effectively.
The school offers a variety of outdoor play areas and extracurricular activities, enhancing the pupils' learning experiences. Educational visits, such as trips to a Celtic village and a Second World War experience, further enrich the curriculum. The leadership has designed a curriculum that meets the diverse needs of pupils, promoting academic, personal, and social development. The curriculum is sequenced effectively, starting from early years, and sets clear expectations for what children should learn each term.
In most subjects, the curriculum outlines essential knowledge that pupils need to acquire and retain. The mathematics curriculum is particularly well-planned, with lessons building on prior knowledge. Staff are well-trained and regularly assess pupils' understanding of key concepts. However, in a few subjects, such as history and computing, the checks on learning are not as effectively structured, which can hinder the reinforcement of previously learned material.
Phonics instruction is organized and effective, with clear weekly objectives. Pupils who struggle are quickly identified and receive additional support, helping them gain confidence in their reading skills. The reading curriculum is logically structured, exposing pupils to a variety of authors and genres, and fostering a love for reading through regular read-aloud sessions by teachers.
The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive appropriate support. Leaders maintain a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, fostering a positive and focused team environment. Governors are actively involved, holding leaders accountable and providing necessary support.
Parents generally hold the school in high regard, appreciating the efforts made during the pandemic to support learning and families. Staff well-being is prioritized, with leaders considering the challenges teachers face and providing time for additional responsibilities. This has resulted in a happy workforce committed to the school's continuous improvement.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns promptly. Pupils are educated on safety, including online safety, through the curriculum and assemblies. While the school is performing well, there are areas for improvement, particularly in refining the curriculum in certain subjects to ensure all essential knowledge is clearly defined and assessed. Overall, St Michael’s Church of England Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
