Kensington Avenue Primary School, located in Thornton Heath, Surrey, underwent its first routine inspection since becoming an academy in February 2019. The inspection, conducted on multiple dates in July and October 2023, assessed various aspects of the school's performance. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision also receiving similar ratings. However, personal development was noted as good.
Pupils at Kensington Avenue Primary School enjoy their time at the school, benefiting from positive relationships with staff who demonstrate care and commitment to their success. Despite this, there is a recognized need for more support to help pupils, including those in early years, achieve their academic potential. While most pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons and are familiar with school routines, some younger students are affected by the disruptive behavior of older peers. Although incidents of misbehavior are decreasing, challenges remain, particularly with attendance, as a significant number of pupils are frequently absent.
The school offers a broad curriculum, and while some subjects are well-structured, others lack clarity in how knowledge is built over time. Changes in staffing have contributed to inconsistencies in curriculum delivery, impacting the depth of learning for some pupils. Staff plan engaging activities, but there is a need for more effective assessment practices to gauge pupil understanding and adapt lessons accordingly. This is particularly important for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, as their support is not always tailored to their specific requirements.
Reading is a focus area, with a new phonics program in place that has shown positive results for younger pupils. However, support for older, struggling readers is less effective, leading to gaps in their reading knowledge. The school has identified pupils with special educational needs in a timely manner and collaborates with external agencies to provide necessary support. Nevertheless, the targets set for these pupils are often vague, limiting their progress.
The school has implemented measures to improve behavior, including a 'behaving safely' agreement for older pupils. While there has been a reduction in incidents, some behaviors persist, and attendance remains a concern. The school is actively working with families and external agencies to address these issues, but overall attendance rates have not shown significant improvement.
Kensington Avenue Primary School has a well-structured personal, health, social, and economic education curriculum that begins in early years, promoting respect for others and understanding of different cultures. Staff feel supported in managing their workload and well-being, demonstrating resilience in facing challenges.
Leadership at the school, including governors and trustees, is aware of the school's strengths and weaknesses. However, there have been gaps in strategic oversight, particularly regarding curriculum development, which has hindered progress in some areas. The school must ensure that curriculum improvements are sustainable and that all staff effectively use assessment to inform their teaching.
In summary, while Kensington Avenue Primary School has several strengths, including positive pupil relationships and a commitment to personal development, it faces significant challenges in academic achievement, behavior management, and attendance. Addressing these areas will be crucial for the school to enhance its overall effectiveness and ensure that all pupils receive the education they deserve.
