Roger Ascham Primary School, located in Walthamstow, London, has recently undergone an ungraded inspection on July 16 and 17, 2024. The overall judgement remains good, with indications that a graded inspection could potentially yield an outstanding rating. The headteacher, Matthew Hanks, leads the school, which is part of the RAY Academy Trust, overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Caroline Edwards.
The school environment is described as kind and welcoming, where pupils thrive and feel safe. Staff members are dedicated and maintain high expectations for student achievement. The curriculum is ambitious and inclusive, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Students engage in a broad range of subjects that align with national standards, and they consistently perform well in national assessments. Parents and carers express strong satisfaction with the education their children receive.
Teachers foster strong relationships with students, contributing to a positive learning atmosphere. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils are aware of whom to approach with concerns. The school has established clear behavior expectations that are consistently enforced, resulting in exemplary behavior both in lessons and throughout the school premises.
Pupils are encouraged to explore their interests through various enrichment activities, such as baseball, coding, and kickboxing. They take on responsibilities within the school community, serving as role models for younger students, particularly in sports leadership. Educational visits are a regular part of the curriculum, enhancing the learning experience.
The school excels in setting high learning expectations, with a curriculum that often surpasses national standards for the age group. Leaders have meticulously designed the curriculum to outline the knowledge students will acquire, breaking it down into manageable steps. This approach allows pupils to revisit key concepts, deepening their understanding over time. For instance, nursery children practice counting days on a calendar, which prepares them for more complex time-related concepts in Reception.
Staff members are skilled in delivering the curriculum, ensuring that pupils learn subject-specific vocabulary and use it confidently. Lessons are thoughtfully designed to reinforce important knowledge, with continuous assessment of pupils' understanding through effective questioning. This results in exceptional learning outcomes across the curriculum, particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics, where pupils outperform national averages.
From the outset in Nursery, there is a strong emphasis on developing communication and language skills. The school provides a language-rich environment that supports vocabulary acquisition and encourages confident expression. The phonics program is delivered with expertise, enabling pupils to read books that correspond to their knowledge of sounds. Regular assessments ensure that any pupils falling behind receive timely support to catch up.
The school effectively identifies pupils with special educational needs, ensuring that all students can access the ambitious curriculum. This inclusive approach leads to high achievement for these pupils from their respective starting points.
Pupils demonstrate excellent behavior in and out of lessons, learning essential social skills from an early age. The school collaborates closely with families to promote regular attendance.
A comprehensive program promotes pupils' broader development, including educational visits that complement the curriculum. The personal, social, and health education curriculum equips pupils with knowledge about healthy relationships and online safety. Year 6 students participate in workshops to prepare for their transition to secondary school.
School leaders are committed to providing the best experiences for pupils, offering high-quality training for staff to enhance their professional skills. Staff well-being is prioritized, contributing to high morale and a strong sense of teamwork.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. This inspection marks the second ungraded evaluation since the school was last judged to be good in November 2014.
