Alma Primary School, located in Whetstone, London, has recently undergone an inspection on July 11 and 12, 2023, and has been rated as good in all areas including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has maintained this good rating since its previous inspection in May 2019.
Pupils at Alma Primary arrive at school with enthusiasm, greeted warmly by staff who foster a positive and caring environment. The relationships among pupils and staff are nurturing, contributing to a sense of safety and happiness within the school community. Pupils demonstrate kindness towards one another and generally exhibit good behaviour during lessons and while moving around the school. They are focused and motivated to achieve, which enhances their learning experience.
The school encourages pupils to engage in discussions and debates, allowing them to consider different perspectives. For instance, older pupils engage in philosophical debates, which helps them develop their confidence and communication skills. Pupils also take on various responsibilities, such as serving as school councillors and members of the Chesed committee, which promotes kindness throughout the school. The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including karate, debate, and Spanish, enabling pupils to explore their interests and talents. The pride pupils take in their school is evident, particularly in their sporting achievements, such as winning the small schools Pokémon primary football tournament in 2023.
Alma Primary places a strong emphasis on literacy, with leaders aiming for every pupil to read fluently. Regular visits to the school library, older pupils reading to younger ones, and the presence of a mystery reader all contribute to fostering a love for reading. Pupils are provided with books that match their phonetic knowledge, which aids in building their confidence and fluency in reading. Staff consistently assess pupils' phonics knowledge, ensuring that those who struggle receive the necessary support to keep pace with their peers.
The curriculum at Alma Primary is well-structured in most subjects, with leaders clearly identifying the learning objectives and breaking them down into logical steps. For example, Year 2 pupils learn about the effects of exercise on heart rate after being taught the importance of physical activity. However, there are some subjects where the curriculum sequencing could be improved, as leaders have not fully identified the key skills and vocabulary that need to be taught consistently. This has resulted in some gaps in pupils' knowledge and misconceptions.
Teachers at Alma Primary generally possess the subject knowledge required to deliver the curriculum effectively, and they address misconceptions during lessons. For instance, in physical education, teachers demonstrate skills such as dribbling and controlling a football. The provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is a notable strength of the school. Their needs are accurately identified, and they receive appropriate support to access learning alongside their peers. Leaders collaborate with external professionals to ensure that these pupils achieve well.
Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards their learning, largely due to clear expectations and routines that minimize disruptions in the curriculum. Personal, social, health, and economic education is well-structured, aiming to develop responsible and respectful citizens. Pupils learn to manage their emotions, collaborate, and care for others, with practical experiences such as visiting a food bank to understand gratitude.
Governors are ambitious for the school and are aware of its strengths and areas for improvement. They have established procedures to hold leaders accountable. Staff appreciate the support they receive from senior leaders regarding their well-being and workload. The safeguarding arrangements at Alma Primary are effective, with staff well-trained and responsive to concerns. Leaders engage with external safeguarding partners to ensure that families receive necessary support.
In summary, Alma Primary School provides a nurturing and effective educational environment where pupils thrive academically and personally. The school is committed to continuous improvement, particularly in ensuring that the curriculum is sequenced effectively across all subjects to fill knowledge gaps and enhance pupils' understanding.
