Arnhem Wharf Primary School, located in the Isle of Dogs, London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 20 and 21, 2023. The school is committed to inclusion, ensuring that all pupils feel safe, respected, and valued. Strong relationships are fostered between pupils and staff, creating an environment where students can express their concerns freely. The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they are fully integrated into school life.
The leadership team has established high expectations for learning, designing a broad curriculum that enables pupils to develop a deep understanding of various subjects over time. Pupils engage positively in their lessons and demonstrate good behavior. The curriculum is enriched through a variety of outings, such as visits to the Tower of London and the Natural History Museum, which complement classroom learning. Additionally, the school offers diverse extracurricular activities, including coding and crochet, and ensures that every pupil learns to play at least one musical instrument.
Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles within the school, such as participating in the school council and supporting younger peers in reading and sports. The curriculum is ambitious and aligns with national expectations, carefully sequenced from Nursery onwards to build knowledge progressively. For instance, in art, pupils start with basic drawing skills and gradually learn to incorporate more complex techniques. Similarly, in science, early years pupils learn about plant parts before advancing to growing their own plants and understanding their functions.
Teachers present information clearly and regularly assess pupils' understanding, addressing misconceptions promptly. Staff appreciate the training they receive, which equips them to teach various subjects effectively. However, there are instances where the activities provided do not consistently align with the ambitious curriculum goals, leading to missed opportunities for deeper learning in some subjects. This gap can hinder pupils from fully securing the knowledge necessary to tackle more complex concepts.
Reading is prioritized throughout the school, with a strong emphasis on fostering a love for literature. From early years, children engage with rhymes, songs, and stories, and staff are well-trained in delivering the phonics program. Pupils receive ample opportunities to practice their reading skills, with texts matched to their learning needs, which enhances their reading accuracy and fluency.
The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum goals as their peers. Staff are well-trained to understand and meet these needs, providing personalized support when necessary. The school is committed to preparing all pupils, including those with SEND, for their future educational steps.
Behavior expectations are high, and pupils generally adhere to these standards across the school environment. When behavior issues arise, leaders respond swiftly with personalized interventions, fostering strong relationships with local partners to support pupils in need. The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum is well-planned, covering essential topics such as respectful relationships and online safety, often enhanced by external speakers and assemblies.
Staff satisfaction is high, with many expressing appreciation for the support and consideration given to their workload and well-being. The school fosters a positive working environment where staff feel valued and supported.
The safeguarding arrangements at Arnhem Wharf Primary School are effective, with a strong culture of safety established. Staff are well-trained to recognize and report concerns, and pupils receive regular reminders about the importance of sharing any worries. Leaders maintain detailed records of concerns and ensure that families receive the necessary support. Regular meetings among safeguarding leaders help address the needs of different pupils, reinforcing the school's commitment to a safe learning environment.
While the school demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, the activities do not fully align with the ambitious curriculum goals, which can limit the depth of knowledge pupils acquire. Leaders are encouraged to provide additional support to teachers to ensure the curriculum is implemented as intended, allowing all pupils to achieve their full potential. Overall, Arnhem Wharf Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
