St Leonard’s Church of England Primary School, located in Streatham, London, has been recognized as an outstanding institution following its inspection on May 11 and 12, 2022. The school fosters a welcoming environment where pupils arrive with smiles, demonstrating politeness and positive relationships with one another. The behavior of students is commendable, with minimal disruption in lessons and rare incidents of bullying, which are addressed promptly by the staff. The overall atmosphere is one of happiness and safety for the pupils.
The staff at St Leonard’s maintain high expectations for all students, ensuring that every child, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, thrives. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to provide pupils with opportunities to understand their place in a global context, exemplified by the school's partnership with Mlimwa School in Tanzania. This collaboration not only strengthens ties between the two schools but also allows pupils to engage with global issues such as sustainability.
Students are educated about the diverse cultures and traditions within their community, preparing them for life in modern Britain. The school offers a variety of trips and extracurricular clubs, enhancing the educational experience. Pupils particularly enjoy coding and programming at the Connected Learning Centre, as well as swimming lessons and residential trips.
The curriculum is ambitious and aligns with national standards, with subject leaders clearly defining the essential knowledge and skills to be taught. The school’s “Golden Thread” document identifies key themes revisited annually at increasing depths, ensuring that prior learning is consistently reinforced. Pupils demonstrate confidence in recalling key knowledge and vocabulary, articulating connections between past and current lessons fluently. Staff regularly assess pupils’ understanding and adapt their teaching methods accordingly.
Adaptations are made to lessons to ensure accessibility for students with special educational needs, and strong relationships with parents are maintained through regular updates on their children’s progress. The school collaborates with external agencies to provide ongoing training for staff, enhancing their ability to meet individual pupil needs.
In the early years, children learn foundational concepts such as patterns, colors, and shapes, effectively using vocabulary introduced in lessons. As they progress, pupils in Year 2 explore artistic concepts, while Year 5 students confidently select media for their artwork, demonstrating their understanding of the creative process. Reception children engage in sensory activities that reinforce their understanding of light and shadow, while Year 4 pupils conduct investigations related to the digestive system, using appropriate scientific terminology.
Reading is a priority from the nursery stage, with a new phonics program implemented to support early literacy. Staff have been trained to ensure consistency in teaching, quickly identifying pupils who may need additional support due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions are provided to help these pupils catch up, and assessments are conducted regularly to identify learning gaps.
Teachers promote a love of reading through carefully selected texts that reflect the community's diversity. Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school, noting their children's progress and the approachability of staff. The school environment is supportive for staff, who feel their workloads are manageable.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a strong culture of safety permeating the school. The safeguarding team is well-informed about the families and contextual issues, ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly. Pupils feel safe and know they have trusted adults to turn to for support. Overall, St Leonard’s Church of England Primary School exemplifies excellence in education, providing a nurturing and enriching environment for its pupils.
