Floreat Wandsworth Primary School, located in London, has recently undergone an ungraded inspection on 14 and 15 September 2023. The overall judgement of the school remains good, with indications that it may achieve an outstanding rating in a future graded inspection. The headteacher, Matthew Custance, leads the school, which is part of the GLF Schools multi-academy trust, overseen by CEO Jon Chaloner and a board of trustees chaired by Lynne O'Reilly.
The school environment is characterized by safety, happiness, and strong academic achievement among pupils. Students are engaged and work diligently in their lessons, developing excellent learning habits from their early years in Nursery and Reception. The school emphasizes character values, fostering perseverance, kindness, and consideration, which contribute to exemplary behavior both in lessons and throughout the school. Pupils interact positively, playing and learning together with enthusiasm and maturity. The focus on enhancing speaking and listening skills has resulted in pupils being confident and polite when communicating with adults.
Floreat Wandsworth offers a rich and ambitious curriculum, effectively taught by dedicated and well-trained teachers. The school ensures that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, can access this curriculum. Enrichment opportunities, such as trips to museums and author visits, further enhance the educational experience. Parents and carers are actively involved in the school community, participating in well-attended family learning sessions that strengthen the home-school connection. They appreciate the guidance provided to support their children's learning.
The school excels in its curriculum design, which is broad and interesting, exceeding national curriculum requirements. Leaders have carefully considered what pupils should learn, and the integration of subjects helps students apply their knowledge in various contexts. For instance, Year 4 pupils connected their geography lessons on glaciers with their science understanding of states of matter. Mathematics instruction revisits earlier concepts regularly, building confidence in tackling more complex problems as pupils progress. Early years education emphasizes counting and number recognition from the outset.
Reading is a priority at Floreat Wandsworth, with effective early reading instruction ensuring that children in Reception quickly learn letters and sounds. They engage in routines that support their reading fluency, and those needing additional help receive timely interventions to keep pace with their peers. The school celebrates reading, providing a diverse range of books that develop pupils' comprehension and appreciation.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and maintain a keen awareness of their pupils' understanding, revisiting challenging content as needed. Pupils with special educational needs receive tailored support, including adapted resources and assistance from skilled teaching assistants. The school maintains high expectations for behavior, emphasizing positive reinforcement, which contributes to a focused learning environment. Pupils are friendly and polite, with important social skills nurtured from an early age.
Beyond academics, the school promotes character development through values such as bravery, honesty, and service. Pupils learn about relationships and safety in an age-appropriate manner. A variety of clubs and activities, including gardening, cookery, coding, and sports, provide opportunities for skill development and personal growth. Trust leaders and governors are well-informed about the school, making thoughtful decisions regarding the curriculum and supporting staff through ongoing training.
The safeguarding arrangements at Floreat Wandsworth are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. This inspection marks the first routine evaluation since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the inspector considering its impact on the school. Overall, Floreat Wandsworth Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils and families.
