John Wood School and Nursery, located in Croydon, Surrey, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 16 and 17, 2024. Under the leadership of Principal Julie Davis, the school is part of The Chancery Education Trust, which is overseen by CEO Matt Rampton and a board of trustees chaired by Philip Jefferies. The school emphasizes values such as kindness, respect, and ambition, which are integrated into daily school life, fostering an environment where pupils thrive and staff maintain high expectations.
Pupils at John Wood School exhibit exemplary behavior and express happiness due to the supportive atmosphere created by teachers who listen and assist them in their learning. The school has established mechanisms for pupils to voice their concerns, such as the 'worry monster's pouch,' which contributes to a sense of safety among students. The school also promotes community involvement, with pupils participating in activities like litter picking at the beach and planting flowers in local parks.
The school values student input, as evidenced by the democratic selection of school council members. This council has successfully advocated for the introduction of classroom pets, enhancing the well-being of students. Enrichment opportunities abound, including trips to the Horniman Museum and various clubs that cater to diverse interests, such as cricket, football, and gaming.
Reading is prioritized at John Wood School, with children beginning their reading journey as soon as they enter Reception. The school has a well-structured early reading curriculum, ensuring that pupils develop confidence and fluency in reading. Daily read-aloud sessions and access to the school library further nurture a love for reading. Staff are well-trained in teaching early reading, and additional support is provided for pupils who struggle, allowing them to catch up effectively.
The curriculum is logically sequenced, with clear expectations for knowledge, skills, and vocabulary from early years through Year 6. In mathematics, teachers break down concepts into manageable steps, enabling pupils to tackle complex problems successfully. History lessons engage Year 2 pupils in understanding significant events, such as the Wright Brothers' first flight, demonstrating their grasp of chronology.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement, particularly in assessing pupil retention of knowledge in some foundation subjects. This gap can hinder students' ability to recall essential information and skills, indicating a need for more effective assessment strategies. The school has established processes to identify pupils with special educational needs and disabilities early on, ensuring they receive appropriate support to access the curriculum alongside their peers.
Pupils display high motivation and positive attitudes towards learning, with classrooms designed to facilitate uninterrupted learning. The school is actively working to enhance progress in reading and writing by the end of Year 6, with attendance being a key focus area. The school collaborates with parents to reduce persistent absenteeism.
The broader development of pupils is a notable strength, with lessons on diversity and healthy relationships integrated into the curriculum. Trustees and the local governing body possess a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for growth, and staff express pride in their work environment, appreciating the initiatives aimed at supporting their well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at John Wood School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection highlighted the school's commitment to continuous improvement, with a focus on enhancing the retention and recall of key knowledge among students. Overall, John Wood School and Nursery continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
