John Keats Primary School, located in Rotherhithe, London, was inspected on 22 and 23 February 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good across all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This inspection marked the first routine evaluation since the school opened as a free school in September 2018.
Pupils at John Keats Primary School express enjoyment in attending this welcoming environment, where respectful and caring relationships between adults and children foster a sense of security. The school has established a culture where pupils feel well looked after and trust the staff to address any concerns, with bullying being rare and effectively managed when it occurs. The school’s core values, which include communication, resilience, inquiry, critical thinking, risk-taking, and empathy, guide the actions of leaders, staff, and pupils alike. Recognition through ‘value’ stickers encourages pupils to embody these principles.
Leaders and staff maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This ambition is evident from the early years, reflected in a well-structured curriculum that aligns with national standards. Clear routines and behaviour expectations contribute to a calm classroom atmosphere, allowing pupils to focus on their learning. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, such as cookery, dance, coding, and arts and crafts, which help pupils explore their interests and talents.
The curriculum is broad and balanced, with subject leaders identifying clear end goals for pupil achievement. While the implementation of the curriculum is generally consistent, some subjects require further refinement in the sequencing of knowledge and vocabulary to enhance pupils' learning progression. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and provide clear explanations, ensuring that pupils regularly revisit prior learning. However, in certain subjects, the checks on pupils’ understanding do not effectively identify gaps or misconceptions, which can hinder their learning.
Reading instruction is prioritized, with all staff trained in a new phonics programme that has positively impacted pupils' reading skills. From the early years, staff ensure that pupils practice the sounds they learn with appropriately matched reading materials, fostering confidence and fluency. Pupils who struggle are quickly identified and supported to catch up. The school promotes a positive attitude towards reading, with engaging storytime sessions and library visits.
Support for pupils with special educational needs is effective, with early identification and appropriate interventions in place. These pupils are included in all aspects of school life, learning alongside their peers. Leaders also focus on personal development, teaching pupils about healthy relationships, equality, and respect for diversity, preparing them for life in modern Britain. Mental health is a priority, with initiatives like well-being days providing strategies for managing mental health.
The governance structure provides a balance of challenge and support, with leaders valuing collaboration with other schools in the trust. Staff express pride in their work environment, appreciating the support from leaders regarding workload and well-being. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of abuse and harm, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
While the school demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to define the sequential steps in the curriculum more explicitly to enhance knowledge retention and address gaps in learning effectively. Overall, John Keats Primary School is a nurturing and effective educational institution that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils.
