Nelson Primary School, located in Whitton, Twickenham, underwent an inspection on September 19 and 20, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school, which is part of the Latchmere Academy Trust, has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The headteacher, Sian Ward, along with the trust's CEO, Anna Steels, and the chair of trustees, Raghu Venkatesam, play vital roles in the school's leadership and management.
Pupils at Nelson Primary School express pride in their school, describing it as kind and welcoming. They generally exhibit good behavior, and instances of bullying are rare. The school environment is safe, with adults taking care to ensure the well-being of all students. Leaders maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is ambitious and aligns with national standards, allowing pupils to engage in meaningful learning experiences across various subjects. However, there are inconsistencies in the use of assessment to gauge pupil understanding, which can hinder the depth of learning for some students. Despite this, pupils are well-prepared for the next stages of their education.
The school offers a variety of enrichment activities, including cooking, sewing, golf, taekwondo, girls' football, and tag rugby. Pupils are encouraged to take on roles that contribute to the school community, such as school librarians and eco-representatives. The curriculum is well-structured, with clear objectives set for each subject, allowing pupils to build their knowledge progressively. For instance, in physical education, early years pupils develop gross motor skills that are built upon as they advance through the school. Similarly, in mathematics, foundational skills in addition and subtraction are established early, supporting later learning in more complex calculations.
While reading is prioritized, with daily reading sessions helping to develop pupils' confidence and fluency, there are still areas for improvement. The school has implemented a phonics program effectively, ensuring that pupils who struggle are quickly identified and supported. Pupils with special educational needs receive appropriate support, with leaders collaborating with external agencies to provide necessary resources and guidance for staff.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior in lessons and throughout the school, with high attendance rates attributed to effective systems in place. The school emphasizes personal development, teaching important concepts such as democracy through practical applications like voting for school roles. Staff members report feeling supported by leadership in managing their workload and prioritizing their well-being. Governors and trustees are well-informed about the school's strengths and areas for development, working closely with leaders to implement new systems and processes.
Despite the positive aspects, the school faces challenges in ensuring consistent assessment practices to address errors and misconceptions in pupil learning. Newly introduced policies and systems require further embedding to ensure clarity and consistency in expectations among staff, pupils, and parents. The trust is encouraged to enhance the monitoring of pupil understanding and the implementation of policies to foster a cohesive educational environment. Overall, Nelson Primary School is on a positive trajectory, with a strong foundation for continued growth and improvement in the future.
