The Crescent Primary School in Croydon, Surrey, has recently undergone an inspection on July 16 and 17, 2024, and has been rated as good overall. The school has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, where it was graded as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management have all been rated as good, while early years provision has been rated as outstanding.
The school is characterized by a caring and ambitious environment where staff are dedicated to the well-being of the pupils. Teachers take the time to understand the individual needs of students, fostering an atmosphere where pupils feel comfortable discussing any concerns. The leadership team actively engages with the school community, including parents, to ensure that their views are considered in decision-making processes.
In the early years, children receive exceptional support that enables them to develop a strong foundation across the curriculum. The school has a robust system for identifying pupils' starting points, which allows for a tailored approach to learning. This ensures that the curriculum builds effectively on what pupils already know, leading to good overall achievement.
Pupils exhibit calm and settled behavior, reflecting the school’s values of kindness and respect. The school effectively addresses any reported bullying, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all students. Educational visits and extracurricular activities, such as cookery, football, and choir, enhance the learning experience and provide opportunities for pupils to take on responsibilities, such as participating in the school council and eco team.
The leadership team, including the trust and governing body, has worked collaboratively to implement clear improvements in the quality of education. They have a comprehensive understanding of the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is well-structured, particularly for early years, where staff are well-trained to deliver engaging and focused activities that promote essential concepts and vocabulary.
Reading is a priority at the school, with a systematic approach to phonics instruction that helps pupils develop strong decoding skills. Regular reading practice with carefully selected books supports pupils in mastering new sounds, while older pupils engage with a variety of texts to deepen their understanding.
However, some areas of the curriculum are still in the early stages of development, and teachers may not have clear guidance on the sequence of key concepts. This can lead to gaps in pupils' knowledge in those subjects. Additionally, while systems for checking understanding in early years are effective, similar systems for older pupils are less established, which can result in some knowledge gaps not being identified promptly.
The school promotes British values and encourages pupils to respect diverse beliefs and cultures. Pupils learn about healthy relationships and online safety, and they gain practical knowledge about financial management through real-world experiences.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring that pupils are safe and well cared for. To continue improving, the school should focus on refining the newer areas of the curriculum and enhancing the systems for assessing pupils' understanding across all subjects. This will help ensure that all pupils build on their prior knowledge effectively and achieve their full potential.
