Surrey Hills All Saints Primary School, located in Westcott, Dorking, underwent an inspection on March 21 and 22, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education and leadership and management also receiving a similar rating. However, the school excelled in behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development, with early years provision being rated as outstanding. This was the first inspection under section five of the Education Act 2005 since the school converted to an academy in December 2018.
Pupils at the school enjoy their time there and are aware of the core values of love, belief, respect, aspiration, achievement, and hope. They understand their role in fostering a positive learning environment. While school leaders have high aspirations for student achievement, this vision is not consistently realized across all subjects. In English and mathematics, pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, perform well. However, achievement in other areas of the curriculum is inconsistent.
The behavior of pupils is commendable, with respectful interactions and good conduct observed in lessons and throughout the school. From the outset in Reception, staff effectively model appropriate behavior, helping children quickly adapt to routines and rules. Bullying incidents are rare, and staff are proactive in addressing any friendship issues. Pupils express trust in the adults at the school, feeling supported in their concerns.
The school offers various extracurricular opportunities, including clubs and leadership roles, such as playground buddies. Pupils also engage in community learning experiences, enhancing their educational journey. The early years curriculum is particularly strong, focusing on individual needs and prioritizing language and communication development. Staff are knowledgeable and adept at assessing children's understanding, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for future educational stages.
Reading instruction is effective throughout the school, with staff promoting a love for books and ensuring that phonics teaching is well-structured. Pupils read books that align with their phonics knowledge, fostering confidence and fluency. The mathematics curriculum is also robust, but the quality of teaching in other subjects varies. Some teachers employ effective strategies, while others do not, leading to inconsistent learning outcomes across different subjects and year groups.
Leaders are aware of the need for improvement in the curriculum for wider subjects and are working to ensure that all subject leaders clearly outline learning objectives and that staff adhere to these plans. Additionally, support for pupils with special educational needs is not yet consistent across the curriculum, affecting their overall achievement.
Pupils' personal development is well-supported, with an emphasis on physical and mental health. Older students learn about safety from various community speakers, and the school promotes an appreciation of diverse cultures and current events. However, attendance remains a concern, particularly among disadvantaged pupils, and leaders are actively working with families to address this issue.
The trust overseeing the school has a clear understanding of its strengths and areas for improvement, providing substantial leadership support. While safeguarding arrangements are effective, minor weaknesses in record-keeping exist. Overall, the school has a strong foundation but requires focused efforts to enhance the quality of education and ensure consistent learning experiences for all pupils.
