Alderwood Primary School, located in Eltham, London, was inspected on 12 and 13 October 2021. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting a positive environment for learning and development. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good, indicating a well-rounded educational experience for pupils.
Pupils at Alderwood Primary School demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for learning and take pride in their work. The curriculum is ambitious and thoughtfully designed to help students retain and understand knowledge over time. This structured approach results in high-quality work across various subjects. The school fosters a respectful atmosphere where pupils treat each other and staff with kindness, thanks to clear rules and routines that are well understood. Initiatives such as participation in the Racial Youth Justice Summit help students learn about equality and the significance of treating everyone fairly.
The school has effective measures in place to address bullying, which is rare. Staff are quick to respond to any incidents, ensuring a safe environment for all students. Year six pupils are trained as peer mediators, which enhances the supportive relationships among students and contributes to a positive school culture. Additionally, a variety of after-school activities, including archery, dance, gymnastics, football, and music, allow pupils to explore their interests and develop new skills.
Reading is a priority at Alderwood, and staff are well-trained in phonics instruction, which begins in Reception. This early focus on phonics helps most pupils learn sounds quickly and accurately, leading to fluency in reading. Leaders effectively use assessments to identify pupils who may be struggling, providing support to help them catch up. However, some of the weakest readers require additional practice to master the sounds necessary for tackling more challenging texts.
The curriculum aligns with the national standards and is designed to include ambitious content across all subjects. Learning is sequenced to allow pupils to revisit and practice key concepts, which aids in their understanding and retention of more complex ideas. For instance, in science, pupils learn about light and its properties by building working periscopes, while in history, they analyze the concept of invasion through various historical examples.
Alderwood Primary School places a strong emphasis on vocabulary development. The curriculum identifies key words for pupils to learn and remember, although some important terms remain challenging for them. Teachers do not always recognize when pupils struggle with vocabulary, leading to less precise usage in some cases.
In the early years, children engage well with both adults and peers, demonstrating sustained concentration during activities. Their spoken language skills are effectively developed, and they show perseverance in tasks such as constructing tracks for balls. The early mathematics curriculum is robust, with regular counting practice helping children grasp fundamental concepts.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive strong support from knowledgeable staff, allowing them to access a full curriculum tailored to their needs. Generally, pupils behave well in lessons and engage positively with their learning. Leaders are focused on improving attendance and punctuality, actively working with families to address these issues.
Pupils take on various responsibilities within the school, such as serving on the school council, and they understand the significance of these roles. The curriculum encourages them to engage in meaningful discussions on important topics, fostering maturity and confidence in their contributions.
While senior leaders have ensured that staff are well-trained and knowledgeable, some subject leaders and governors are new to their roles and may need additional support to fully assess the impact of the curriculum on pupil achievements. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with clear systems for reporting concerns and ensuring that pupils feel secure.
Overall, Alderwood Primary School provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, with a strong focus on academic achievement, personal development, and community engagement. The school is committed to continuous improvement and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive.
