Croydon primary school where pupils ‘work to be the best’

A primary school in Croydon where pupils ‘work to be the best they can be’ has been awarded the highest grade by Ofsted.

Inspectors visited Chipstead Valley Primary School on May 15 and 16 and the report was published on June 21.

Chipstead Valley Primary School received the highest rating of ‘outstanding’ in all areas: quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.

Inspectors said: “This is a happy, caring and fully inclusive school.”

This was evident in the way they saw the students playing with their friends, including those in the special resource program.

Inspectors wrote in their report that “pupils are proud of their school and their personal achievements”, using as an example the Charlotte Wicker award, given to pupils who work hard and show resilience and respect.

Ofsted said pupils are “incredibly well behaved” and pupils are working hard to be “the best”.

They saw that relationships between students and staff were kind and encouraging, and they noted that students felt confident in sharing their concerns with teachers.

“This helps pupils feel safe,” added Ofsted.

Ofsted praised the school for the range of responsibilities pupils have.

Inspectors said: “Older pupils take pride in looking after the library and recommending books to their peers.

“Pupils enjoy the wide range of enrichment activities on offer such as choir, gardening and club football.

“These opportunities help students develop their talents and pursue their interests.”

Chipstead Valley Primary School received credit for its “ambitious curriculum” and how leaders have “strong subject knowledge”.

They observed how teachers regularly check what students know and quickly correct misconceptions.

According to them, reading at Chipstead Valley Primary School has the “highest priority”.

Inspectors said: “Children are taught to read from the very beginning of their time in Reception.

“This is because leaders want students to read fluently and without delay.

“Students are regularly given opportunities to visit the school library.

“They read widely and often and are read aloud daily.

“These experiences develop a love of reading.”

Ofsted was impressed by the level of attendance at Chipstead Valley Primary Academy and said leaders have “appropriate actions to ensure attendance remains high”.

The inspectors concluded their reports by saying: “Directors and governors have the skills and knowledge to carry out their statutory duties.

“They have an accurate understanding of what the school does well.

“The school takes staff welfare and workloads into account very carefully.”

Headteacher Clare Rackham said: “We are delighted to have received the outstanding judgment and that the inspection recognized our school as ‘a happy, caring and fully inclusive environment’.

“I am so proud of our whole school community and I am particularly pleased with our children, who throughout the process have been recognized for their positive attitudes and commitment to our whole school values.

“We will always strive to be the best for our children and continue to build on our successes, ensuring that every student leaves our school as a confident, well-rounded person, ready to take on the challenges and opportunities ahead.”