Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Neasden Primary School on June 20, 2019, following its previous judgment of good in July 2015. The leadership team has successfully maintained the quality of education, earning respect from staff, pupils, parents, and trust leaders. The headteacher and assistant headteacher have fostered a positive school environment where both pupils and staff thrive, encapsulated by the school motto, Aim high and reach for the sky. The curriculum is varied, and additional funding is effectively utilized to provide extracurricular opportunities in music and sports.
Feedback from parents and pupils is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the happiness of children at school and the approachability of staff. The school has maintained high standards of pupil behavior, with children being kind, polite, and aware of whom to approach with concerns. The inspection noted improvements in spelling instruction and the acceleration of the most able pupils' progress, with key stage 1 and key stage 2 results in 2018 showing significant improvement in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Despite these advancements, leaders recognize the need to sustain this progress. The school has addressed previous recommendations regarding the teaching of basic mathematics facts, resulting in a new curriculum that has positively impacted pupils' mathematical knowledge. Staff training has enhanced pupils' vocabulary and fluency, with older pupils receiving opportunities to develop problem-solving skills. The attainment in mathematics has risen, with Year 6 results in 2018 exceeding average standards.
Safeguarding practices are robust, with leaders and governors establishing a strong culture of safety. Meticulous record-keeping and procedures ensure that any vulnerabilities are addressed promptly. The school provides emotional support through daily check-ins, contributing to improved attendance and a sense of safety among pupils. Parents express confidence in the school's ability to keep their children safe and happy.
The inspection also focused on early years and key stage 1, where children typically start with below-average skills in communication, literacy, and numeracy. Observations in the early years revealed effective routines and high expectations, with children becoming increasingly independent. The teaching of phonics has been revised, leading to improved outcomes in reading. However, the proportion of pupils reaching expected standards in the Year 1 phonics screening check remains below average, indicating an area for further development.
Overall, the school is making good progress, with children in early years and key stage 1 showing improvement in their learning. The leadership team is encouraged to ensure that pupils re-read familiar books to build confidence and fluency in reading. The inspection findings highlight the school's strengths while also identifying key areas for continued focus to enhance educational outcomes for all pupils.
