Gilbert Colvin Primary School, located in Ilford, Essex, has undergone an ungraded inspection on November 28 and 29, 2023. The overall judgement remains good, but evidence suggests that a graded inspection might yield a lower rating. The school has high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils feel safe and happy, benefiting from positive relationships fostered by staff who warmly welcome them each day. Respect among pupils and between pupils and adults is evident, contributing to a supportive learning environment. New students are integrated smoothly, ensuring they settle quickly.
Pupils engage actively in lessons, with minimal disruption to learning. However, the curriculum in some subjects, particularly early reading, does not consistently support high achievement. Behaviour expectations are well understood, and pupils navigate the school calmly, enjoying their time with friends during play. Staff are responsive to any incidents of unkind behaviour, addressing them promptly. The school encourages leadership development through roles such as librarians and play leaders, alongside a variety of extracurricular clubs.
Recent leadership changes have brought a clear vision for the school’s strengths and areas needing improvement. The school has identified essential knowledge for pupils in certain subjects, enabling effective curriculum delivery, particularly in mathematics. However, in other subjects, key knowledge is not clearly defined, leading to uncertainty among teachers regarding what to teach and when. This lack of clarity affects the organization of the curriculum, hindering pupils' ability to retain and build upon prior learning.
Staff enthusiasm for recent curriculum changes is evident, and the school prioritizes training to enhance curriculum delivery. Nonetheless, subject leadership is still developing, which limits the support teachers receive in aligning teaching activities with curriculum goals. Reading is a focal point of the curriculum, with a well-structured phonics program designed to foster reading skills from an early age. However, inconsistencies in phonics instruction and a lack of necessary expertise have resulted in some pupils not receiving adequate support in their reading development.
The school effectively identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs, providing appropriate adaptations to facilitate their learning alongside peers. Attendance improvements are notable, particularly among pupils with previously low attendance rates. Pupils are educated about online safety and healthy living, and they learn about various faiths and cultures, promoting tolerance and inclusivity.
Governors demonstrate a solid understanding of the school’s development needs, and staff appreciate the support provided to manage their workload and well-being. While most parents are supportive, some express concerns about communication, feeling uninformed about their children's learning. The school recognizes the need to enhance communication with parents to strengthen partnerships.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring pupil safety and well-being. The inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in curriculum development and consistency in phonics instruction. The school is encouraged to continue refining its curriculum to ensure that all subjects are equally well developed and sequenced, enabling pupils to build knowledge effectively. Strengthening subject leadership and enhancing communication with parents are also essential for ongoing improvement. Overall, Gilbert Colvin Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment, with clear pathways for future development.
