Griffin Primary School, located in London, underwent an inspection on November 15 and 16, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas of strength and weakness identified. The quality of education was also deemed to require improvement, while behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development, were rated as good. Leadership and management were found to require improvement, although early years provision was rated as good.
The principal, Nicholas Read, leads the school, which is part of The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust. This trust structure means that additional oversight and responsibility for the school's management are shared with other leaders within the trust. The chief executive officer, Hugh Greenway, and the board of trustees, chaired by Tim Coulson, play significant roles in the governance of the school.
The school environment is described as friendly and welcoming, with pupils treating each other kindly and ensuring that no one is left out during playtime. The staff fosters positive relationships with students, prioritizing their safety and well-being. Pupils feel secure and are taught to behave responsibly and respectfully. Senior leaders have high expectations for student achievement and are actively working to address identified gaps in knowledge, although some gaps remain due to the timing of implemented actions.
The curriculum at Griffin Primary School covers a broad range of subjects aligned with the national curriculum. Recent changes have been made to improve the teaching of certain subjects, but there are still areas where the curriculum development is in progress. Staff receive training to enhance their subject expertise, but there are instances where tasks and resources do not effectively support learning, leading to difficulties in retaining important information.
Reading is a strong focus at the school, with pupils encouraged to read widely. Effective phonics teaching is provided, particularly for younger pupils, ensuring that those who struggle receive additional support. The school is committed to inclusivity, providing appropriate adaptations for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, allowing them to learn alongside their peers.
Pupils generally display attentiveness and eagerness to learn, with minimal off-task behavior during lessons. They are taught to recognize and discuss their emotions and the importance of maintaining a healthy mind and body. The school collaborates with various organizations to promote pupils' wider development, including partnerships with local community groups and emergency services. Extra-curricular activities, such as rock climbing and music, are available to all pupils, enhancing their school experience.
Despite the positive aspects, the school faces challenges in identifying and sequencing essential knowledge across all subjects, leading to gaps in pupils' understanding. There is a need for improved planning and resource selection to support effective learning. School leaders are focused on addressing these areas for improvement and are collaborating with trust leaders and subject experts to enhance the school's educational provision.
The safeguarding arrangements at Griffin Primary School are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare is prioritized. The inspection highlighted the importance of ongoing development in curriculum delivery and the need for clear identification of knowledge that pupils must acquire. Overall, while the school has strengths in its supportive environment and commitment to pupil development, it must continue to work on improving educational outcomes and addressing identified gaps in knowledge.
