Shoreditch Park Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Shoreditch Park Primary is a place where learning is abundant and pupils flourish.

They experience a rich curriculum that prepares them exceptionally well to play a responsible role in society and achieve success. Pupils are eager to learn, and fulfil their teachers' high expectations. Classrooms are alive with pupils discussing topics, explaining answers or forming lines of reasoning.

The school helps pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to overcome barriers to learning, despite the many challenges that some face.

Pupils are industrious workers, and not a moment of learning is lost. They show self-discipline a...nd treat others with courtesy and respect.

Pupils' behaviour is excellent. They learn to persevere when things get tough and to find solutions. Pupils help each other; there is a strong sense of community.

They know that they are looked after exceptionally well by school staff and their friends; kindness prevails.

Pupils' learning is extended through deliberately planned opportunities to widen their understanding of life beyond Hackney. Whether this is a trip to the Royal Opera House, growing vegetables in the school's garden or sharing ideas on sustainability as part of the school's 'Green Team', everyone benefits in some way.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has created an inspiring curriculum. It is organised in a way that enables pupils to revisit concepts and build on their prior learning. The foundations for this successful learning start in the early years.

Teachers make purposeful links between subjects to enhance pupils' understanding of key concepts. High-quality teaching strategies enable all pupils to learn well, particularly those with SEND and/or who speak English as an additional language. Teachers take the time to explain things clearly, using their deep subject knowledge.

They demonstrate effective techniques to pupils to help them grasp difficult ideas.

Children get off to a flying start in the early years, where they play and explore in safe surroundings. They learn to gain independence and communicate well.

The enabling early years environment means that children build solid foundations for later study. They transfer seamlessly into key stage 1. From Nursery to Year 6, teachers continuously assess how well pupils are progressing.

These regular 'in the moment' checks on pupils' learning, followed by immediate feedback, are commonplace and help pupils progress quickly.

Teachers create teaching activities that capture pupils' attention and keep them focused. Engaging topics provide stretch and challenge.

Pupils retain important knowledge and apply it in different contexts confidently. Staff use resources particularly well to create an inclusive environment. The school goes above and beyond to help pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged, to master the basics and overcome any hurdles to learning.

The teaching of reading, alongside speaking and listening, forms the bedrock of the curriculum. The school dedicates time to teaching pupils to read and communicate well. This culminates in pupils reading and communicating confidently, fluently and with good understanding.

The youngest children quickly develop good attitudes to reading and master phonics skills so they can begin to read simple words. Excitement about reading is maintained as pupils get older. Teachers keep a close eye on pupils' progress, ensuring that any who start to slip behind are swiftly picked up.

Daily story time, author visits and reading ambassadors all contribute to the school's positive culture of reading.

Staff are attuned to individual pupils' needs. Pupils with SEND, including those with education, health and care (EHC) plans, make strong progress.

No matter how complex a pupil's need is, staff explore all avenues to overcome any barriers to learning. They utilise staff expertise or seek advice from external specialists. Tried and tested systems ensure that pupils with SEND are identified quickly, and support promptly follows.

Pupils in the resourced provision are well cared for and their specific needs are met.

Through the school's wider curriculum, pupils are equipped with the skills to lead healthy lives, stay safe and make informed decisions. They understand the responsibilities that they may face as they grow older.

They know about different religions and beliefs, and the importance of treating others with respect. Many pupils benefit from the range of extra-curricular clubs offered, including coding, multi-sports and debating. These add a further element to the rich tapestry of learning that enhances pupils' personal development.

At the heart of the school's leadership are consistency of approach and research-informed practice, combined with an unrelenting ambition to provide all pupils with the best possible education. This is complemented by a highly effective governing body that works in partnership with leaders to evaluate the school's needs and steer its course to make the school's vision a reality.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.