Walker Primary School, located in Southgate, London, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on May 23 and 24, 2023, and the school has been commended for its quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all rated as good or outstanding. The school has not been previously inspected under the current framework, having converted to an academy in April 2019.
The school environment is characterized by warmth, ambition, and a strong sense of community. Leaders maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils express enjoyment in attending school and engage positively with a diverse curriculum, achieving particularly well in English, mathematics, and science. The behavior of pupils is exemplary, contributing to a calm atmosphere where disruptions to learning are infrequent. The school promotes values of respect and cooperation, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported.
Leaders at Walker Primary School prioritize character development, providing pupils with numerous leadership opportunities, such as becoming reading champions. The school fosters a collaborative ethos, where children from different year groups play together harmoniously during break times. This nurturing environment is appreciated by parents and carers, who recognize the school's commitment to a caring atmosphere.
The curriculum development is a key focus for leaders, who strive to ensure that staff become subject experts. In the early years, the curriculum is well-structured, allowing teachers to tailor learning to individual needs effectively. However, there are areas where teaching does not consistently secure deep understanding for pupils, particularly in a few subjects. While teaching generally builds on prior knowledge effectively, some subjects lack precise assessment information, hindering the ability to monitor pupil learning thoroughly.
Reading instruction is a notable strength of the school, with early years pupils learning phonics from the outset. Teachers utilize assessments to identify pupils who may need additional support, ensuring that all students keep pace with their reading development. The school promotes a strong reading culture, with initiatives like a book vending machine that encourages pupils to engage with high-quality texts.
The school demonstrates a welcoming culture, with most pupils learning British Sign Language and receiving tailored support to access the full curriculum. This inclusive approach allows pupils with special educational needs to thrive alongside their peers. Personal, social, health, and economic education is integrated throughout the curriculum, encouraging pupils to engage in discussions about diverse cultures and faiths.
Pupil behavior is commendable, with no significant concerns regarding bullying. Classrooms and corridors maintain a calm and orderly environment, allowing for effective learning. The multi-academy trust's trustees and the local governing body exhibit a clear understanding of the school's priorities, providing support and accountability for school leaders.
Staff express strong support for the improvements initiated by the new leadership team, taking pride in their work at the school. Leaders are attentive to the impact of workload on staff, fostering a positive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at Walker Primary School are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding embedded throughout the school. Staff are well-trained to recognize when pupils may need assistance, and leaders act swiftly to provide necessary support. The school maintains rigorous safeguarding records and collaborates effectively with external agencies.
To enhance its effectiveness further, the school should continue refining its curriculum in foundation subjects to ensure pupils develop secure knowledge. Additionally, leaders need to sharpen assessment and monitoring systems to evaluate the impact of the curriculum more effectively across all subjects.
