Sulivan Primary School, located in Fulham, London, has been assessed as a good school following its inspection on June 12 and 13, 2024. The headteacher, Wendy Aldridge, leads the school, which is part of the United Learning trust. This trust is overseen by CEO Sir Jon Coles and a board of trustees chaired by Richard Greenhalgh. The school has a strong community ethos, with parents and carers expressing appreciation for the dedication of the staff and the supportive environment fostered for pupils.
Pupils at Sulivan Primary School are enthusiastic about their learning and are encouraged to embrace new challenges. The school promotes parental involvement through various workshops and reading sessions, enhancing the educational experience for students. Since joining the United Learning trust, the school has been working on developing aspects of its curriculum, demonstrating ambition for student learning and a clear plan to address areas needing improvement. Staff members are supportive of these changes and take pride in their work at the school.
Behavior among pupils is commendable, with students displaying good manners and respect for one another. They are taught the importance of courtesy and demonstrate excellent conduct during school trips and local visits. The school grounds offer ample outdoor space for exploration, and all pupils participate in weekly garden lessons. Additionally, students can engage in extracurricular activities such as the junior orchestra, which provides opportunities for performance and skill development. Older pupils, particularly those in leadership roles, contribute to the school community by assisting teachers and leading assemblies.
The school has effectively managed its transition to the United Learning trust, with staff valuing the professional development opportunities available. Leaders have cultivated a positive work culture, considering the impact of changes on staff workload and well-being. The curriculum is well-structured and aligns with national expectations, beginning with foundational skills in the early years. For instance, nursery children learn basic instructions for manipulating toys, while reception students engage with programming robotic cars, laying the groundwork for future coding education.
Despite the strengths, the school faces challenges, particularly in writing outcomes, which have not met national expectations. Leaders have prioritized this area and developed a clear action plan with ambitious targets. The school supports a diverse range of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to access the curriculum. However, there is a need for more consistent assessment practices across subjects to accurately identify and address gaps in learning.
The phonics teaching program is well-established, with staff receiving ongoing training to ensure effective delivery. Pupils engage in daily reading practice with books that match their learning levels, contributing to their progress as confident readers. The school emphasizes the importance of personal, social, health, and economic education, equipping pupils with the skills to discuss their emotions and prepare for secondary school.
Attendance has been a focus for leaders, and recent staffing changes have begun to yield improvements in this area. The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, while Sulivan Primary School continues to be a good school, ongoing efforts are needed to enhance writing outcomes and refine assessment practices to ensure all pupils make consistent progress across the curriculum.
