Atwood Primary School, located in Sanderstead, South Croydon, has recently undergone an inspection on November 7 and 8, 2023, and has been rated as good overall. The school is part of the Pegasus Academy Trust, which provides a framework for leadership and management. The head of school, Paul Robins, works alongside the chief executive officer, Jolyon Roberts, and an executive headteacher, Lynne Sampson, who oversees multiple schools within the trust.
The inspection highlighted that pupils at Atwood Primary School are settled, happy, and feel safe. They enjoy attending school and have high attendance rates. From the early years, staff focus on understanding each child's individual needs, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This personalized approach allows the school to provide effective support and care for all pupils.
Leaders at the school maintain high expectations for student outcomes and have recently enhanced the curriculum. This development has positively impacted pupils' knowledge and confidence, particularly in subjects such as mathematics, reading, and science. The school emphasizes kindness, independence, and responsibility from the early years, and pupils consistently demonstrate these qualities. Their behavior is described as excellent, with a strong sense of respect for one another and inclusivity during playtime.
Atwood Primary School offers a range of exceptional extracurricular opportunities that engage pupils and foster their talents. Popular clubs include chess, dodgeball, cookery, and magic. Additionally, residential trips for Year 4, 5, and 6 students provide memorable experiences in outdoor adventure activities, such as camping and rock climbing. Pupils also take on responsibilities through various committees, including the eco-council and school council, which further develops their leadership skills.
The school has set ambitious learning goals for its pupils and has carefully sequenced the curriculum to help them achieve these aims. Strong support and training are provided to teachers, particularly in reading, mathematics, and science. Leaders ensure that teaching is focused on essential knowledge, enabling pupils to recall important concepts easily. For instance, Year 3 pupils were able to connect their previous learning about the lifecycle of frogs to understand human and animal lifecycles.
Reading is a priority at Atwood Primary School, with a diverse selection of high-quality texts available to pupils. The school has improved its reading resources to include more poetry and literature that reflects a variety of backgrounds. Comprehensive training is provided to staff to ensure effective phonics instruction, and regular monitoring of the phonics scheme helps maintain high standards. As a result, pupils read with confidence and fluency.
While the school has established clear curriculum plans in other subjects, some newly introduced content requires more focused teaching to ensure pupils build on their prior knowledge effectively. Occasionally, tasks and explanations do not adequately connect with what pupils already know, leading to gaps in their learning. This is particularly relevant for pupils with special educational needs, who benefit from tailored support but may struggle with newer curriculum content.
Pupils at Atwood Primary School are motivated and work well without disruption. The school fosters a friendly culture where staff and pupils take pride in their community. From early years, the focus is on emotional understanding and the impact of behavior on others. Pupils are considerate and supportive of one another, and any unkind behavior is quickly addressed by peers.
The school places a strong emphasis on teaching pupils about safety and health, including online safety and mutual respect for all individuals. Pupils engage in discussions about different faiths and cultures, enhancing their understanding of diversity. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring the well-being of all students.
In summary, Atwood Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education, fostering positive behavior, and supporting the personal development of its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring the effective delivery of the revised curriculum, the overall effectiveness of the school is commendable. The leadership team is dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring that all pupils receive the best possible education and support.
