North Downs Primary School, located in Surrey, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 6 and 7, 2023. The school is proud of its community, with pupils expressing enthusiasm about their lessons and the support they receive from staff. The school’s grounds are utilized effectively, with pupils participating in gardening projects and collaborating with local groups to protect the environment. The behavior of pupils is commendable, reflecting the school’s emphasis on respect for the environment and each other.
The school operates across three sites in different villages, yet leaders have successfully maintained a unified vision for the school. This vision includes high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils benefit from various learning opportunities, including visits from guests, field trips, and outdoor learning experiences. The well-being of pupils is a priority for the leadership team, although there is room for improvement in raising expectations in certain subjects. Overall, pupils achieve high standards and demonstrate confidence in discussing their learning.
Reading is a significant focus at North Downs Primary School, with leaders recognizing its importance. Pupils develop into confident and fluent readers, enjoying the process. A new phonics scheme has been introduced to support early readers, and teachers are skilled at identifying those who struggle. Personalized support is provided to help these pupils catch up. However, there are instances where reading lessons lack focus, leading to confusion among some pupils about their tasks. Generally, lessons across various subjects are well-planned and rarely disrupted by poor behavior, fostering a calm learning environment.
In the Reception classes, staff are well-acquainted with the children and their learning needs. They guide children to activities tailored to their individual requirements, demonstrating effective ongoing assessment practices. This approach is evident throughout the school, as teachers adapt their planning based on pupils' progress and work closely with the special educational needs coordinator to meet the needs of all pupils.
The curriculum is organized into termly topics for some subjects, with successful integration of subjects that support pupils' learning. However, there are occasions when leaders have not clearly defined the essential knowledge for each topic, resulting in fragmented learning experiences. Teachers effectively utilize the extensive school grounds to enhance classroom learning, and outdoor spaces are used to promote pupils' wider development, teaching them about nature, independence, and resilience.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-structured, addressing relationships and health education in an age-appropriate manner. Leaders take pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development seriously, promoting respect and acceptance of differences. Staff receive strong support from leaders, who are ambitious for their pupils and consider staff workload and well-being in decision-making.
The safeguarding arrangements at North Downs Primary School are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding in place. Staff receive regular training to identify and manage risks, and leaders act swiftly when concerns arise. Pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe, including online safety, and the curriculum is adjusted to address emerging issues.
To improve, the school needs to establish consistent routines for teaching reading to prevent confusion among pupils. Additionally, leaders should ensure that the essential knowledge for each subject is clearly identified to avoid fragmented learning experiences. Overall, North Downs Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, fostering their academic and personal growth.
