Al-Noor Voluntary Aided Muslim Primary School, located in Goodmayes, Ilford, Essex, was inspected on January 24 and 25, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision receiving outstanding ratings. The school has not been previously inspected under section five of the Education Act 2005, as it opened in September 2018.
The school is characterized by its high aspirations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders and staff create a nurturing environment that fosters safety and care, contributing to a positive atmosphere where pupils feel valued and happy. The school promotes an ethos of diversity and acceptance, encouraging pupils to take on leadership roles and support one another. Exemplary behaviour is noted throughout the school, with a strong emphasis on following rules and routines from the early years. Instances of bullying are rare, and staff address any concerns promptly.
Leaders provide numerous opportunities for pupils to develop their character and interests, including participation in choir and sports clubs. Educational visits to local cultural sites enhance the learning experience, and pupils engage in fundraising activities for charities, demonstrating a commitment to helping others. Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction with the school, particularly appreciating the inclusive approach of the leadership.
The curriculum is ambitious and designed to support both academic and personal success. Leaders have carefully considered the learning objectives for pupils over time, ensuring that children in the early years develop exceptionally well across all areas. The curriculum is structured to build on prior knowledge, with teachers providing regular opportunities for pupils to recall earlier learning. For instance, Year 5 pupils demonstrated ease in recalling multiplication facts while solving problems in mathematics.
Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and generally deliver content clearly. They regularly check pupils' understanding of prior learning. However, there are instances where teachers do not ensure that all pupils, particularly those with SEND, fully grasp earlier content before introducing more complex tasks. This can limit the depth of subject-specific knowledge for these pupils. In the early years, staff are particularly skilled at building on children's previous learning and supporting their communication and language development.
Pupils enjoy attending school, arriving on time and maintaining good attendance. Teachers encourage a strong work ethic, and learning is rarely disrupted by poor behaviour. In the early years, children are guided to use resources and equipment sensibly. Reading is prioritized, with pupils becoming accurate and fluent readers who engage with a wide range of texts. Staff celebrate reading through various events, and children in the early years are introduced to phonics sounds early on, fostering confidence in their reading abilities.
Staff work closely with parents and professionals to identify the needs of pupils with SEND, providing appropriate support to ensure they learn effectively. Teachers adapt their approaches to ensure these pupils can access the same curriculum as their peers. The school promotes respect for diversity, teaching pupils about different faiths and cultures. Older pupils take their roles as school councillors and leaders seriously, understanding the importance of being role models.
The governing body is knowledgeable and effectively holds leaders accountable for their work. Staff express pride in being part of the school and feel supported by leaders in managing their workload. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders ensuring that all staff receive up-to-date training. They are vigilant about pupils' well-being and safety, acting quickly on any concerns and collaborating with external agencies when necessary.
The curriculum also includes lessons on keeping safe, including recognizing online risks. However, to improve, the school should ensure that teaching consistently checks for pupils' understanding of prior content, particularly for those with SEND, before introducing more complex concepts. This will help enhance the depth of subject-specific knowledge for all pupils. Overall, Al-Noor Voluntary Aided Muslim Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education in a supportive and inclusive environment.
