Monks Orchard Primary School, located in Shirley, Croydon, Surrey, underwent its first inspection under the Education Act 2005 on January 10 and 11, 2023. The school has been rated as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school, which converted to an academy in September 2018, has a total of 248 pupils aged between three and eleven years.
The inspection highlighted that the school leaders aim to foster confident, resilient, and independent learners. Pupils at Monks Orchard are described as keen learners who enjoy attending school. The school’s values, encapsulated in the phrase ACE the three Rs, are integrated into daily activities, and pupils understand their significance. The high expectations set by adults for behaviour and achievement contribute to a calm and orderly classroom environment, allowing effective learning to take place. Instances of low-level disruption are rare and managed swiftly, ensuring that learning is uninterrupted.
Pupils express feeling safe and trust the adults in the school to address any concerns, including bullying. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs, school trips, music concerts, and competitions, which pupils enjoy. The curriculum reflects national expectations and is designed to meet the diverse needs of all pupils, ensuring that their backgrounds and experiences are represented in the content taught.
In subjects like English and mathematics, the curriculum is well-structured, with clear expectations for knowledge and skills from the early years onward. Teaching in these areas effectively helps pupils retain what they have learned, allowing them to build on prior knowledge. However, in some foundation subjects, the curriculum lacks clarity regarding the sequential steps needed for pupils to achieve the desired outcomes. This includes the identification of key vocabulary necessary for progression, which can hinder pupils' ability to build and recall knowledge effectively.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and provide clear explanations of concepts. They actively check for understanding and address learning gaps promptly. Lessons are designed to allow pupils to revisit and connect their learning, reinforcing their knowledge over time. The school has effective systems in place to identify and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they can access the full curriculum.
The teaching of early reading is prioritized, starting as soon as children enter the early years. Staff receive comprehensive training to deliver the phonics curriculum effectively, and pupils are matched with reading materials that align with their phonetic knowledge. Those needing additional support are quickly identified and assisted in becoming fluent readers. The school promotes a love of reading through various initiatives, including reading assemblies and storytime sessions, which engage pupils and encourage a diverse range of literature.
Leaders are committed to supporting pupils' broader development, teaching them to focus in lessons and conduct themselves responsibly. Older pupils have opportunities to take on leadership roles, fostering a sense of responsibility. The school emphasizes the importance of physical and mental health, equipping pupils with the knowledge to maintain their well-being.
Staff express pride in their work environment, feeling supported by leaders who consider their workload and well-being. The governing body provides a balanced approach of challenge and support to school leaders. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify risks and report concerns, ensuring that pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe, including online. Overall, Monks Orchard Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for all its pupils.
