Christ Church New Malden C of E Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 11 and 12 October 2022. The school fosters a nurturing environment where pupils feel proud, happy, and safe. The Christian ethos is deeply embedded in the school culture, promoting mutual support among students and encouraging them to reach their full potential. Leadership and staff prioritize the needs of pupils, actively seeking their input through a newly established pupil leadership team.
The school sets high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils are motivated to meet these standards, as demonstrated in singing assemblies where older students perform complex harmonies. The behavior of pupils is commendable, characterized by courtesy and respect. They are well-informed about bullying and are confident in reporting any incidents to adults, who address concerns promptly.
The curriculum is broad and balanced, designed to enhance pupils' understanding over time. Subject leaders are knowledgeable and committed to continuous improvement, ensuring a diverse range of authors in reading materials. Learning objectives are broken down into manageable steps, allowing pupils to build skills progressively. For instance, Year 4 students in art and design engage in careful observation and experimentation before creating their own still-life paintings.
Staff receive targeted training to effectively deliver the curriculum, with strategies in place to support all learners, including those with special educational needs. However, some staff occasionally lack clarity regarding key learning objectives, which can hinder pupils' retention of essential knowledge for future learning. Leaders are aware of this issue and are working to enhance consistency across the curriculum.
Reading is a priority, with early years pupils starting phonics instruction from the beginning of Reception. They practice with books that align with their phonetic knowledge. Most staff are well-trained in teaching early reading, ensuring pupils develop fluency and accuracy. Nonetheless, a small number of staff need to improve their modeling of new sounds and reading strategies, which can affect pupils' confidence in reading.
In mathematics, early years staff effectively use mathematical vocabulary, helping children understand concepts such as size and quantity. Teachers assess children's understanding through practical activities, reinforcing their learning.
Pupils also receive education in personal, social, and health education, learning about boundaries and privacy. They express confidence in approaching trusted adults with concerns. Older pupils demonstrate an understanding of diversity and the importance of treating everyone equally.
The school offers numerous extracurricular opportunities, with the choir being particularly popular. Pupils appreciate the introduction of rewards for positive behavior and are encouraged to share their talents in school events. Staff express pride in the supportive culture and feel their workload is manageable, with leaders focusing on staff well-being.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with regular training ensuring staff are aware of potential risks to pupils. The school teaches students about community safety and online privacy. Governors fulfill their responsibilities effectively, overseeing recruitment processes.
To improve, the school must ensure that all staff explicitly teach key learning in the wider curriculum, enabling pupils to retain important knowledge. Additionally, leaders should support staff in consistently implementing the phonics program to enhance pupils' reading skills. Overall, Christ Church New Malden C of E Primary School continues to provide a positive educational experience for its pupils.
