Furness Primary School, located in Harlesden, London, was inspected on November 30 and December 1, 2021. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, personal development, leadership, and management also receiving good ratings. Notably, behaviour and attitudes were rated as outstanding, reflecting a positive school environment where pupils are polite, welcoming, and treat each other with respect. The school fosters a culture of happiness and safety, with exceptional behaviour observed both inside and outside the classroom.
Leaders at Furness Primary School maintain high expectations for all pupils, ensuring that they learn and achieve well across most subjects. The professional relationships between staff and pupils are positive, and there is a strong emphasis on celebrating diversity and teaching pupils about challenging racism. Pupils are encouraged to communicate any worries or concerns to adults, and the school effectively addresses bullying, which is reported to be rare.
The school provides weekly swimming lessons for pupils in Years 3 to 6, ensuring they become competent swimmers by the time they leave. Educational visits to places like Hyde Park and Queen’s Park are met with enthusiasm, and a variety of extracurricular activities, including choir, art, and yoga club, are available. Pupils also participate in leadership opportunities, such as electing their peers as school councillors.
Reading is prioritized from the start of Nursery, with staff receiving relevant training to support pupils in developing their reading skills. Phonics is taught daily through Year 2, and a consistent approach is followed to ensure pupils understand reading routines. Those who fall behind receive effective support, enabling them to catch up quickly. The curriculum is ambitious, and leaders ensure that teachers are well-supported in delivering it. Regular checks on pupils’ understanding help address any gaps in knowledge.
While the school excels in many areas, there are some subjects where leaders have not clearly identified the essential knowledge pupils need to retain. This can lead to gaps in understanding over time. Teachers are encouraged to revisit key learning more frequently to strengthen pupils’ grasp of important concepts. Behaviour in lessons and around the school is of a very high standard, with pupils demonstrating attentiveness and seriousness towards their learning.
Leaders effectively identify and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they have access to the full curriculum. The school community engages in various themed events, enhancing pupils' understanding of the world beyond school. Staff well-being is supported, and communication with parents has improved significantly. Attendance rates have also seen notable improvements.
The safeguarding arrangements at Furness Primary School are effective, with staff receiving regular training and knowing how to report concerns. Leaders work to support families in accessing necessary help and refer concerns to external agencies when needed. Governors are kept informed about safeguarding practices and ensure that recruitment follows safe guidelines.
In summary, Furness Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all subjects have clearly defined essential knowledge, the school is well-regarded for its positive culture, effective leadership, and dedication to pupil development.
