Rowdown Primary School, located in New Addington, Croydon, Surrey, underwent an inspection on October 9 and 10, 2019, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils at Rowdown Primary School are happy and exhibit positive behavior in class, demonstrating kindness towards one another. They enjoy their playtimes, benefiting from a variety of play equipment. The school has a low incidence of bullying, and when it does occur, it is addressed promptly and effectively. Pupils feel safe and confident that their concerns are taken seriously by staff. They take pride in their school and recognize the improvements being made, noting that their work is more challenging than in the past. The school offers a range of after-school activities, and pupils appreciate the specialist teaching in subjects such as art, music, and sports.
The leadership team is committed to enhancing pupils' learning experiences through educational visits, and pupils expressed a desire for more trips to museums and galleries to broaden their understanding of the world. The curriculum has been refined to ensure that pupils know and remember more over time, encouraging them to reflect on their existing knowledge and apply it to new learning experiences. The teaching of phonics is effective, fostering a love for reading among pupils, who are becoming confident readers and writers.
In mathematics, pupils achieve well, with staff implementing activities that reinforce number facts. Collaboration with the local mathematics hub has strengthened teachers' subject knowledge, and pupils are encouraged to articulate their problem-solving processes. However, there is a need for pupils to engage more frequently in complex problem-solving tasks.
The teaching of science, history, and art is robust, with lessons designed to build on prior knowledge. Pupils enjoy hands-on learning experiences, such as creating displays related to historical events and participating in scientific investigations. Vocabulary development is prioritized, enabling pupils to use appropriate terminology in their discussions.
The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing a range of therapeutic interventions and one-on-one support to help them catch up. The early years provision is strong, with staff focusing on developing children's reading and writing skills through engaging storytelling and communication activities. Children are becoming confident readers and are encouraged to apply their phonics skills in writing.
Pupils demonstrate kindness and respect towards one another, actively engaging in school assemblies and embodying the school's values of honesty, care, and consideration. They are also aware of British values and participate in various charitable initiatives. The school has experienced significant leadership changes since the last inspection, but the current leadership is stable and provides a clear vision for future improvements.
The safeguarding arrangements at Rowdown Primary School are effective, with staff being vigilant and responsive to any concerns regarding pupil safety. Leaders collaborate with external agencies to ensure families receive timely support. Pupils are educated about safety in the community and online, learning about the risks associated with drugs and violence.
To further enhance the school's effectiveness, it is recommended that more opportunities be provided for children to apply their phonics skills in writing. Additionally, incorporating more educational visits into the curriculum would deepen pupils' understanding of their learning. While pupils demonstrate strong mathematical skills, they should be encouraged to tackle more complex problem-solving tasks to further develop their abilities.
