Joseph Hood Primary School, located in Raynes Park, London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 11 and 12, 2022. The school fosters a strong sense of community among its pupils, who express pride in their school and recommend it to others. The inclusive and diverse environment encourages respectful interactions among students, who appreciate the supportive relationships they have with staff. The staff maintain high expectations for all pupils, leading to good behavior and hard work in lessons. Pupils collaborate effectively with their peers and are generally focused on their learning, with rare instances of bullying that are taken seriously by the staff.
Parents and carers generally hold positive views about the school and its leadership. They actively participate in curriculum workshops and utilize resources such as phonics videos created by staff to better support their children's learning at home. The school also provides opportunities for pupils to engage in various extracurricular activities, including caring for school chickens, which instills a sense of responsibility. Additionally, residential trips are organized to promote independence among pupils.
The school excels in ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, have access to the national curriculum. Subject leaders possess strong knowledge in their areas and provide valuable support to teachers. The teaching of early reading is particularly effective, with staff receiving regular training in phonics. Children begin phonics instruction in nursery and continue through to Year 2, with daily sessions supplemented by targeted support for those who need it. The school has implemented measures to help pupils who fell behind in reading due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring they catch up quickly.
While the school has identified key knowledge and content for most subjects, there are areas where teachers lack sufficient guidance on what to teach and when. This can lead to inconsistencies in the curriculum and challenges in assessing pupils' retention of key knowledge. The teaching of mathematics is strong, with a focus on building fluency and reasoning skills. Staff consistently check pupils' understanding and address gaps in learning, particularly following the disruptions caused by the pandemic.
The school has a robust safeguarding culture, with effective arrangements in place to protect pupils. Leaders are familiar with the families they serve and actively seek to support their needs. Staff receive regular safeguarding training, and there is a clear process for reporting concerns. Pupils feel safe and happy at school, and the curriculum includes lessons on online safety and healthy relationships.
To improve further, the school needs to complete its work in defining the key knowledge to be taught across all subjects. In some areas, teachers currently select their own content, leading to variability in learning experiences for pupils. Addressing this will ensure a more consistent and comprehensive educational experience for all students. Overall, Joseph Hood Primary School continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for its pupils.
