A Beckenham primary school where pupils and staff are “happy” which means that staff work late and stay at the school long-term has been told by Ofsted that it continues to be a good school.
Unicorn Primary School, based in Creswell Drive, was last inspected by Ofsted on July 16 and 17, 2024.
The report was then published on September 19, 2024.
Inspectors found that pupils at Unicorn Primary School feel “safe” and “play well alongside each other”.
They were reported to build “positive working relationships” with staff.
Pupils were found to be “proud of their achievements” and were able to focus and be “attentive” in class.
This means that classrooms are “calm and orderly”, Ofsted reported, and that learning is not disrupted.
Pupils are encouraged to develop leadership skills by taking on roles of responsibility within the school such as school librarians, team captains and play leaders.
Ofsted reported that the school “encourages pupils to develop their talents and interests” by offering a range of activities such as ballet, Ju Jitsu, korfball and theatrical performances.
According to Ofsted, residential trips that the school offers “boost their confidence and encourage their independence”.
The school reportedly makes sure that pupils have the chance to become “global citizens, effective communicators, lifelong learners and champions of healthy lifestyles”.
Pupils and staff showed Ofsted that they are “happy” at Unicorn Primary School and, as a result, staff tend to stay late and work at the school for a long time.
Since its previous Ofsted inspection back in October 2019, in which the school was rated as good, inspectors recognised “effective action” has been taken to strengthen the school’s curriculum.
Leaders now have a “broad” curriculum in place that builds pupil’s knowledge over time.
Inspectors found that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) access the same curriculum as their peers.
The school was fond to make adaptations to its teaching and its resources to make sure that all pupils are included in all aspects of school life.
Most pupils are regularly in school and for any who are not, leaders make sure they understand why and work with parents to provide “tailored support”.
Ofsted reported that, as a result of this, attendance rates improve over time.
To improve, Ofsted suggested that there are occasions that pupil’s learning is not checked routinely.
This means that gaps in pupil’s recall and understanding are not always identified and addressed quickly.
It recommends that leaders make sure all subjects check what children know and remember to “strengthen and deepen pupil’s knowledge”.
The News Shopper has contacted Unicorn Primary School for a comment.
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