
In the inspectors’ good books: staff thanked parents for their part in improving South Norwood Primary
Staff, pupils and parents at South Norwood Primary were celebrating this week after the school, previously rated as “Inadequate” by inspectors, was judged as “Good” after its latest Ofsted inspection.
The external inspection of the school, on Crowther Road, took place in January.
Ofsted inspectors highlighted that “pupils like their school” and are “happy, safe and enjoy learning”.
The school’s leadership was praised for their “high expectations for how pupils behave and learn” and their desire for “every school day to be an extraordinary day”.
The Ofsted report included:
- Leaders have a well-designed, ambitious curriculum in place which they adapt to suit all pupils, including those with special education needs and/or disabilities
- Leaders prioritise reading. Staff are well trained to teach phonics and pupils read with accuracy and fluency
- Pupils behave well and understand and follow the school rules
- Pupils said that they would go to an adult if they were worried, but that adults would notice first and check if they were okay
- Leaders plan additional experiences for all pupils, such as trips to theatres, museums and places of worship
- Pupils have the opportunity to bring about change – school council members explained how they influenced the school lunch menu to include more vegetarian options
- Staff feel extremely well supported by leaders in terms of their workload and wellbeing
Melody Berthoud, South Norwood Primary’s head, said, “We go the extra mile every day to provide the very best learning experiences possible for the children. I am thrilled that this has been recognised by Ofsted and immensely grateful to all my colleagues as well as our pupils for the effort they put in every single day.
“I also want to thank our pupils’ parents for their ongoing support which has been essential in this journey. We will continue to work together to ensure that we keep progressing and providing a wonderful school for our local community.”
South Norwood Primary was academised in September 2018, when it joined The Pioneer Academy Trust.
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