Shawfield Primary School, located in Ash, Surrey, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on July 3 and 4, 2023. The school’s motto, we shine, encapsulates its commitment to fostering a positive learning environment where pupils thrive. The relationships between staff and students are highlighted as a significant strength, with adults demonstrating genuine care for the pupils and their families. This supportive atmosphere enables pupils to feel confident in approaching staff with any issues they may encounter.
The school has established clear expectations for behavior, rooted in its values of resilience, respect, aspiration, and trust. Pupils are rewarded for demonstrating these values through a points system, which encourages positive behavior. While pupils understand what bullying is, they report that it is not a prevalent issue at the school, and any incidents are dealt with promptly by the leadership team. Support is readily available for pupils who need assistance in managing their emotions.
Shawfield Primary School offers various opportunities for pupils to engage in extracurricular activities, including clubs and residential trips. Older pupils take pride in their roles as school ambassadors, actively participating in initiatives such as advocating for safer crossing arrangements outside the school. The school’s commitment to personal development is evident, with pupils expressing enthusiasm for learning about different cultures and religions, as well as the importance of equality and celebrating diversity.
The leadership team has prioritized the teaching of reading, implementing a new phonics program and ensuring that all staff are well-trained in this area. Early reading skills are developed from the moment children start school full-time, with staff providing additional support to those who struggle. As a result, most pupils are able to read fluently by the end of Key Stage 1. The curriculum is designed to be well-sequenced and engaging, allowing teachers to build on pupils' prior knowledge effectively. However, there are a few subjects where guidance for teachers could be improved to enhance the learning experience further.
Leaders have high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. While procedures are in place to identify and support these pupils, there is an acknowledgment that more work is needed to ensure that all teachers adapt their teaching to meet the diverse needs of learners effectively. In most classes, pupils behave well, and learning is uninterrupted, although there are instances where expectations are not consistently upheld, leading to occasional disruptions.
The school places a strong emphasis on safeguarding, with effective arrangements in place to protect pupils. Staff receive regular training and updates, ensuring they are vigilant and knowledgeable about safeguarding procedures. The school community is taught about online safety, and younger pupils are educated on the importance of not talking to strangers.
To improve further, the school needs to ensure that behavior expectations are consistently high across all classes and that all staff feel equipped to manage challenging behavior. Additionally, there is a need for better adaptation of learning in certain areas of the curriculum to ensure that all pupils can succeed and retain knowledge effectively. Overall, Shawfield Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all its pupils.
