Thomas Gamuel Primary School, located in Walthamstow, London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 25 and 26, 2021. The school provides a positive environment where pupils feel safe and enjoy their learning experiences. Students express enthusiasm for their education, particularly highlighting the engaging nature of their teachers and the enjoyable activities offered, such as the forest school program that fosters a connection with nature and wildlife. The school places a strong emphasis on the well-being of its pupils, ensuring that they have access to support from staff whenever needed.
The behavior and attitudes of the pupils reflect the school's core values. They demonstrate politeness and care towards one another, with rare incidents of poor behavior and a zero-tolerance approach to bullying. Pupils possess a solid understanding of equality, expressing that everyone is welcome at their school. The leadership team has developed a well-structured and ambitious curriculum, with high expectations for all students. This has resulted in strong achievements in reading and mathematics, although there are areas for improvement in art and music due to limited instructional time allocated to these subjects.
Parents have expressed positive views about the school, noting its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. They appreciate the approachable nature of the staff and the high level of care and support provided to both pupils and their families. The school has implemented carefully sequenced teaching plans across subjects, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for their educational journey. Professional development opportunities for teachers are abundant, enhancing their subject knowledge and teaching effectiveness.
Reading is prioritized within the curriculum, with a phonics program starting from the nursery level. This structured approach helps children develop strong reading skills early on, and regular assessments ensure that any pupils who may fall behind receive additional support. The school promotes a love of reading through daily story times and well-matched reading materials that align with the phonics being taught.
The mathematics curriculum is designed to reinforce knowledge over time, allowing pupils to connect their current learning with past experiences. Teachers provide appropriate resources to aid understanding, and pupils are encouraged to use mathematical vocabulary from an early age. The religious education curriculum has been recently revised to include diverse religions and cultures, although some resources need updating to maintain pupil engagement.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive exceptional support, with staff quickly identifying their needs and providing tailored resources. The school ensures that these pupils have access to the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Additionally, pupils benefit from various trips and cultural activities, enhancing their educational experience.
The governing body and representatives from the multi-academy trust are actively involved in supporting the school’s leadership and holding them accountable for curriculum development. Staff members report a positive working relationship with school leaders, who consider their workload and well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at Thomas Gamuel Primary School are effective, with a strong culture of safety prioritized by leaders. Thorough records and checks are maintained, ensuring the safety of all pupils. The school educates students on how to keep themselves safe, including topics such as e-safety and cyberbullying.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in updating resources for the religious education curriculum and ensuring that sufficient time is allocated to art and music. Addressing these areas will further enhance the educational experience for all pupils. Overall, Thomas Gamuel Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its students.
