Ferry Lane Primary School, located in Tottenham, London, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness as good following an inspection conducted on September 26 and 27, 2023. The school provides a welcoming environment where pupils thrive and enjoy their learning experiences. Staff greet students warmly each morning, contributing to a positive start to the day. The school emphasizes values such as respect, responsibility, and teamwork, which pupils actively demonstrate through their behavior. Generally, pupils exhibit calm and orderly conduct, feeling secure in the knowledge that staff are attentive to their concerns.
The curriculum at Ferry Lane is ambitious and well-structured, allowing pupils to engage deeply with various subjects. They are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills, as evidenced by activities such as debating contemporary issues. The school offers numerous opportunities for pupils to take on responsibilities, including roles as well-being ambassadors and participation in a variety of enrichment activities. All pupils in Years 4 to 6 learn a musical instrument, and a range of clubs, such as pottery and drama, are available to support their interests and talents.
Reading is prioritized at Ferry Lane, with children starting their reading journey shortly after joining Reception. The phonics program is effectively implemented, and staff are well-trained to support pupils who may struggle with reading. Regular assessments ensure that pupils are matched with appropriate reading materials, fostering positive attitudes towards reading. The school also promotes a love for reading through daily read-aloud sessions and regular visits to the local library.
The curriculum is designed to build key knowledge and skills progressively, allowing pupils to practice and embed important concepts before moving on to more complex topics. Teachers possess the necessary subject knowledge to deliver lessons effectively, and they typically check pupils' understanding to address misconceptions promptly. However, there are instances in a few subjects where this consistency is lacking, leading to some pupils struggling to recall essential knowledge and skills.
Ferry Lane is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Leaders quickly identify these pupils and implement various strategies to ensure they can access the same curriculum as their peers. The school provides positive experiences for these pupils, including sessions with a dog mentor, which contribute to their well-being.
Pupils generally behave well in lessons, and learning is rarely disrupted. This positive behavior is cultivated from the early years, where children learn to engage attentively and participate in activities that promote calmness and readiness for learning. The school actively encourages good attendance and takes effective measures to support families, offering various programs and resources.
The personal, social, health, and economic curriculum is exceptional, equipping pupils with the skills to become respectful and resilient citizens. They learn about healthy relationships and online safety, and they are encouraged to take responsibility for their environment through initiatives like the eco-committee.
Staff express high levels of satisfaction regarding their workload management and well-being considerations. Governors are ambitious for the school and are aware of its strengths and areas for improvement. The school provides extensive support for families, which is highly valued by parents and carers.
The safeguarding arrangements at Ferry Lane are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To enhance the quality of education further, the school needs to ensure that pupils' understanding is consistently checked across all subjects to address any gaps in learning. This will help secure a deeper understanding of the material taught and support overall academic success.
