Tweeddale Primary School, located in Carshalton, Surrey, has recently undergone an inspection on July 2 and 3, 2024, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Theresa Jerrom, leads the school, which is part of the Greenshaw Learning Trust, overseen by CEO William Smith and chaired by Anne Spackman. The school is recognized for its commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment for its pupils, who are reported to be happy and engaged in their learning. The school fosters warm and supportive relationships among students, promoting a sense of community and friendship.
The introduction of the ‘ASPIRE’ values has positively influenced pupil behaviour, emphasizing positivity and respect. Most pupils demonstrate good behaviour in lessons and show enthusiasm for their work. They report that bullying is infrequent and that any incidents are promptly addressed by staff. The school has acknowledged the challenges posed by the pandemic, particularly in terms of resilience among pupils. To address this, additional support systems have been implemented to help students develop the necessary skills for success. However, outcomes in national assessments for Year 6 pupils in 2023 did not meet the school’s expectations, prompting ongoing efforts to enhance current pupil achievement.
The curriculum at Tweeddale Primary is ambitious and designed to engage pupils effectively. It outlines essential knowledge and skills from the start of Reception, aiding in the development of pupils’ understanding over time. For instance, in mathematics, early years children engage with numbers in diverse ways, fostering confidence in their knowledge. However, some subjects still require further development and embedding, as pupils’ deeper subject-specific knowledge is not consistently strong across all areas. The school has made efforts to revisit important content regularly, aiding retention of significant ideas and skills. Nonetheless, the support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) sometimes lacks precision, leading to inconsistent progress through the curriculum.
Many pupils at the school speak English as an additional language, and the school has implemented a thoughtful induction program to support these students and their families. The emphasis on reading has increased, with phonics instruction being delivered effectively. The school ensures that pupils who struggle with reading receive the necessary support, helping them develop fluency and confidence. Staff maintain clear routines and expectations for behaviour, contributing to a conducive learning environment. The school has seen improvements in attendance through collaboration with external agencies, although some pupils still struggle with regular attendance.
The school has introduced a comprehensive program to support pupils’ wider development, teaching them about healthy relationships and emotional awareness from an early age. While pupils appreciate the leadership opportunities available to them, they have expressed a desire for a broader range of clubs and trips. The local governing body and trustees have a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, benefiting from the support provided by the trust in areas such as safeguarding and behaviour management. Staff express pride in working at the school and appreciate the consideration given to their well-being. The safeguarding arrangements are deemed effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, Tweeddale Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing quality education and support for its pupils while recognizing areas for further growth and development.
