Cranmer Primary School, located in Mitcham, Surrey, has recently undergone an inspection on the 7th and 8th of November 2023, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has consistently maintained this standard since its previous inspection in July 2018. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision have all been rated as good.
Pupils at Cranmer Primary School express enjoyment in attending this nurturing environment, appreciating the spacious grounds and extensive playing fields. They feel secure and confident in approaching adults for support when needed. The school promotes a culture of kindness and respect, with pupils adhering to the Cranmer ‘Golden Expectations’. In the early years, children are encouraged to engage in collaborative play and learning, with a strong emphasis on language development.
The leadership team has established an inclusive and ambitious culture, setting high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The additional resource provision for children with speech, language, and communication needs is particularly effective, allowing these pupils to thrive alongside their peers. Reading is prioritized within the curriculum, with pupils demonstrating enthusiasm for their reading materials. Regular visits to local libraries and well-stocked in-school libraries foster a love for reading among students.
Cranmer Primary School emphasizes critical thinking through regular debates on complex topics, encouraging pupils to articulate their thoughts on issues such as fairness and equality. Parents have noted the caring nature of the school, which is reflected in the positive relationships fostered between staff and students.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with a well-structured approach to knowledge acquisition. For instance, Year 6 pupils build on their understanding of numbers to tackle algebraic equations, while Year 2 students explore the works of notable artists. However, some foundation subjects are still developing their curricular frameworks, which affects the school’s oversight of pupil learning in these areas.
The school excels in its systematic and high-quality approach to teaching early reading, with teachers demonstrating strong subject knowledge across various subjects. Regular recaps of previous learning help reinforce pupils' understanding, although there are instances where systematic checks on pupils' learning could be improved to address misconceptions.
Pupils exhibit positive behavior throughout the school, with minimal disruption in lessons. The school prioritizes attendance, which was impacted by the pandemic but is showing signs of improvement. The family support team plays a crucial role in maintaining communication with families to enhance attendance rates.
Cranmer Primary School offers numerous extracurricular opportunities, allowing pupils to explore their interests beyond the classroom. After-school clubs range from museum curating to jiu-jitsu, and older pupils take on leadership roles, such as being ‘reading pals’ for younger students. The school community is further enriched by the presence of a school dog, Buddy, who provides companionship to the pupils.
Staff at the school report high levels of job satisfaction, feeling supported by leadership in their professional well-being. The commitment to continuous improvement is evident at all levels of leadership, including the governing body. The school maintains strong partnerships with parents, particularly in the early years, fostering a collaborative approach to education.
The safeguarding arrangements at Cranmer Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is encouraged to enhance its assessment frameworks in certain subjects and to ensure that teachers consistently check pupils' understanding during lessons to address any gaps in learning. Overall, Cranmer Primary School is a supportive and effective educational institution that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils.
