Northwood Primary School, located in Erith, Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on December 10-11, 2019. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are happy, kind, and considerate. They demonstrate good behavior in lessons and show a strong desire to excel. Feedback from students highlights the supportive nature of the staff, emphasizing that the school genuinely cares about its pupils.
The leadership team at Northwood Primary School maintains high expectations for all students, who take pride in their achievements and are motivated to improve. The school is adorned with vibrant displays that enhance the learning environment, and students find their work both challenging and enjoyable. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as being ambassadors and well-being champions, which contributes to a culture of respect and care. The school has established a safe atmosphere where incidents of bullying are rare, and initiatives like eco-warriors promote healthy lifestyles and environmental awareness.
Students have access to a variety of extracurricular activities, including lunchtime and after-school programs, which stimulate their curiosity and provide opportunities for educational visits. These experiences help build their confidence through performances for parents and carers.
The school excels in its curriculum planning, which is ambitious and challenging. It prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain, ensuring they engage fully in their learning. The lessons are structured to minimize disruptions, allowing for effective teaching and learning. Pupils achieve well due to a clear sequence in the teaching of knowledge and skills, which enables them to build on what they already know.
In subjects like history, the school has identified essential knowledge and skills for each lesson, ensuring that pupils can confidently recall key facts and understand historical contexts. However, older pupils have gaps in their historical knowledge due to insufficient foundational learning in previous years. The leadership is aware of this issue and is actively working to address it.
Mathematics instruction is generally effective, with pupils demonstrating strong number skills. Teachers provide opportunities for practice across various subjects, although this is not consistently implemented in all classes. Some subject plans require further development, particularly in world geography, where pupils struggle to recall previously taught content.
The school prioritizes reading, with leaders ensuring that staff are well-trained to teach phonics effectively. Pupils develop essential reading skills early on, and there is a strong emphasis on reading a diverse range of high-quality books. However, there is a need for pupils to enhance their vocabulary and comprehension skills, as they sometimes struggle with new vocabulary and its meanings.
Northwood Primary School is committed to supporting all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. These students receive high-quality support and achieve well, thanks to effective identification and intervention strategies. The school also utilizes additional funding to ensure disadvantaged pupils perform at levels comparable to their peers.
Staff well-being is a priority for the leadership team, which fosters a supportive work environment. Teachers express satisfaction with their roles, and many have long tenures at the school. Parents and staff alike feel that the school is well-managed.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns. Leaders maintain strong relationships with families and collaborate with local authorities to protect vulnerable pupils. Overall, Northwood Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational experience for its students, with ongoing efforts to address areas for improvement.
