All Saints’ CofE Primary School, located in London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 25 and 26, 2019. The school is characterized by a welcoming and friendly atmosphere where pupils feel safe and cared for. The sense of community is strong, with pupils demonstrating respect for one another and a commitment to kindness. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, staff respond promptly to resolve the issues. The behavior of students in both classrooms and playgrounds is calm, contributing to a positive learning environment that promotes compassion and community values.
The school fosters a culture where making mistakes is seen as a part of the learning process. Pupils are encouraged to share their ideas confidently, knowing that their contributions are valued regardless of whether they are correct. This supportive environment helps students learn from their mistakes without fear of ridicule. Teachers set high expectations for hard work across all subjects and employ effective teaching strategies that break down complex concepts into manageable parts. This approach not only makes lessons engaging but also aids in retention and understanding.
Leadership at All Saints’ ensures that knowledge is sequenced appropriately, allowing pupils to build on their prior learning as they progress through the years. For instance, Year 5 students apply their understanding of place value in mathematics to find midpoints between numbers. Teachers provide opportunities for revision, ensuring that students can connect new knowledge with what they have previously learned. The school values all subjects equally, with a balanced timetable that allows sufficient time for each area of study.
Reading instruction is prioritized, particularly in the early years, where a structured phonics program is implemented. While most staff deliver this program effectively, there are instances where some do not assess pupils' phonics knowledge frequently enough. This oversight can lead to students receiving reading materials that do not match their current abilities, which may hinder their progress. Writing is integrated across various subjects, and teachers provide clear guidance to help pupils improve their skills.
Classroom environments are generally calm, with most pupils focused on their work and not disrupting others. However, there are occasions when some students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, struggle to grasp new content due to insufficient clarity in explanations. Senior leaders are committed to enhancing teaching quality across subjects, but not all subject leaders are actively monitoring and supporting their colleagues effectively. This gap in oversight can limit the potential for improvement in teaching practices.
Beyond academics, the school enriches pupils' learning experiences through a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs and educational outings. Visitors are invited to engage with students, making learning more relevant and interesting. The leadership team is mindful of teachers' workloads and manages changes carefully, which has resulted in high staff morale.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff collaborating with parents and external agencies to protect pupils from harm. Governors ensure compliance with safe recruitment practices, and pupils are educated on how to stay safe both online and in their communities. They feel comfortable discussing any concerns with staff, who address these issues promptly.
To further improve, the school needs to ensure that assessment information is utilized effectively to provide all early readers with appropriate reading materials that align with their phonics knowledge. Additionally, senior leaders should enhance the support provided to subject leaders, ensuring they regularly evaluate teaching quality and identify areas for improvement. This will help tailor teaching to better meet the needs of all pupils.
Overall, All Saints’ CofE Primary School continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment, fostering both academic and personal growth among its students.
