Normanhurst School

Normanhurst School is a co-educational day school located in North Chingford, London, catering for pupils aged from two and a half to sixteen. Established in 1923, it is part of the Oak-Tree Group of Schools, which is family-owned. The school is managed by a member of the family who oversees administrative arrangements for all three schools in the group. Since the last inspection in March 2009, the school has appointed a new head and a new head of the junior school, enhancing its leadership structure.

The school occupies four large Edwardian houses that house the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), classrooms, offices, and two ICT suites. Additional facilities include purpose-built classrooms, a small music room, a studio for art and design, science laboratories, a library, changing facilities, and a hall. Although the school does not have its own playing fields, it hires nearby facilities for games and physical education.

Normanhurst School's mission is to provide a balanced and fulfilling learning experience in a secure and caring environment, nurturing pupils' academic, creative, sporting, and personal skills. The school aims to instill a love for lifelong learning and a desire to contribute to the community, fostering responsible citizenship among its pupils. At the time of the inspection, there were 250 pupils enrolled, with a diverse demographic reflecting the local population. The school has a balanced gender ratio, with more boys than girls.

The ability profile of the school aligns with the national average, with a wide spread of abilities across different year groups. The school provides additional support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those who speak English as an additional language (EAL). The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all pupils, and the school employs national curriculum nomenclature to refer to year groups.

The inspection findings indicate that Normanhurst School is highly successful in creating a happy family environment that promotes courtesy, respect, and responsibility. The school nurtures academic, creative, and sporting skills, helping pupils reach their maximum potential. In the EYFS, children make excellent progress due to the stimulating provision. The curriculum is well-adapted to the needs and aptitudes of the pupils, complemented by a good range of extracurricular activities. Teaching quality is generally good, enabling pupils to make significant progress in reading, writing, and mathematics, although feedback on marked work could be more rigorous.

Pupils demonstrate excellent personal development, characterized by politeness, courtesy, and a strong set of values. They engage well with their peers and show an understanding of different cultures and non-material aspects of life. The supportive atmosphere in the EYFS fosters excellent progress in personal, social, and emotional development. The school has effective systems for self-evaluation and development planning, with strong support from staff for the school's leadership.

The proprietor fulfills all legal responsibilities exceptionally well and provides excellent support for the school's leaders. The school has made significant improvements since the previous inspection, effectively implementing recommendations. The quality of governance, leadership, and management is excellent, with strong links with parents and the community.

The quality of academic and other achievements is good, with pupils developing well in their knowledge, understanding, and skills across various subjects. Pupils are articulate and confident, participating actively in discussions and demonstrating good reasoning skills. Their achievements in extracurricular activities are commendable, with success in local and national competitions in sports, writing, and the arts.

The curriculum is comprehensive, covering all requisite areas of learning and providing a balanced educational experience. Pupils in the junior school are taught by specialists in subjects such as music and modern foreign languages, while the senior school offers a diverse choice of subjects at GCSE. The school compensates for the lack of on-site sporting facilities by utilizing nearby Olympic facilities for games lessons, providing pupils with unique training opportunities.

Pupils' personal development is further enhanced through a well-planned personal, social, and health education (PSHE) program, which covers relevant contemporary topics. The school offers a good range of extracurricular activities, including clubs and trips that broaden pupils' experiences and enhance their learning.

The quality of teaching is good, with effective lesson planning and a variety of engaging activities that promote pupil interest. Teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge, and lessons are well-suited to pupils' abilities and needs. However, there are opportunities for improvement in the deployment of teaching assistants and the use of ICT skills across the curriculum.

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is excellent, with a strong emphasis on respect, responsibility, and empathy. They engage in charitable activities and demonstrate a good understanding of British values and cultural traditions. The school fosters a supportive environment where pupils feel valued and cared for, contributing to their overall well-being.

Pastoral care arrangements are excellent, with staff providing individual attention and support to pupils. The school promotes healthy eating and physical activity, ensuring that pupils develop good habits. Safeguarding procedures are thorough, with regular training for staff and effective risk management practices in place.

Overall, Normanhurst School is a nurturing and supportive environment that successfully promotes academic achievement, personal development, and community engagement among its pupils. The school meets all regulatory requirements and is well-regarded by parents and the local community.