Simon de Senlis Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Every pupil knows that they matter and they can flourish because of the dedicated staff at Simon de Senlis Primary School. An exceptional ethos of deep care and high ambition is threaded through every aspect of school life. Because of this, pupils love coming to a school, where they can 'believe, achieve, and succeed'.

The quality of education is exceptionally strong. Every moment is a learning moment. Pupils relish using what they know to thoughtfully consider and debate big questions.

They are inspired by the wide array of carefully planned opportunities for enrichment and personal development, including working with professional artists, questioning visiting expert...s and performing in their community.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. There are many opportunities for pupils to develop their talents in sport, music and the arts.

Pupils are supported to be advocates for each other, their community and the environment. Older pupils are role models who responsibly fulfil a multitude of leadership roles. The school is determined to equip pupils to make a positive 'dent in the universe'.

One pupil summed up what is felt by many, 'Everybody respects everyone here.' Pupils feel safe and learn how to keep safe. Parents and carers appreciate what many describe as 'this wonderful school'.

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

There is a relentless determination by all staff to give pupils the best education possible. The school is particularly determined to secure success for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who speak English as an additional language.

The school's curriculum, and its delivery, are informed by research.

From Reception to Year 6, the order in which pupils learn new knowledge and information is crystal clear. Crucial knowledge is recapped systematically.

Staff have strong subject knowledge.

Teachers expertly question pupils to check their understanding. Teachers plan tasks to encourage pupils to apply their knowledge to new situations. Pupils respond well to this.

They enjoy showing what they know and can do. Children get off to a flying start in the early years. Carefully planned interactions and engaging activities feed children's thirst to learn.

Pupils produce high-quality work and achieve well by the end of each key stage.

The school is determined that every pupil becomes a reader, as the key to 'a world of possibilities'. The bespoke reading programme ensures that pupils explore interesting and diverse texts that further enhance their learning in different subjects.

In the resourced provision for pupils with SEND, known as the SEN unit, stories are used skilfully to grip pupils' attention and build their confidence to communicate. Right from the start in Reception, children learn to read well. Frequent checks mean that staff have a precise understanding of how pupils' reading skills are developing.

Those pupils who need extra help receive this quickly.

The school identifies the additional needs of pupils quickly and accurately in both the SEN unit and across the school. Staff adapt all aspects of the delivery of the curriculum to meet the needs of pupils with SEND.

The meticulous 'plan, do, review' of small steps makes a real difference for many pupils and families.

There are well-established routines and high expectations set across the whole school. Children in the early years, and pupils new to the school, are carefully helped to settle in and become happy, confident learners.

Pupils eagerly come to school each day, and rates of attendance are high. Where there are any slight dips in pupils' attendance, the school acts quickly and effectively to ensure that pupils' attendance improves. Staff are determined to give pupils and their families tailored support to ensure that every pupil benefits from the high-quality education on offer.

The programme for pupils' personal development is considered and well planned. It is rooted in the established school values of building resilience, responsibility and aspiration. The school takes every possible step to give all pupils access to rich and wide opportunities.

Staff plan many outings for pupils that enhance their learning. These include visits to places of worship and residential trips. Pupils develop a strong understanding of difference and diversity.

They whole-heartedly embrace the importance of fundamental British values and being part of the local and global community.

The trust and governing body play an integral role in the determination to sustain and further develop the highest standards. Staff benefit from a rigorous programme of professional development.

Staff appreciate that their well-being is always considered. They are proud to be part of this exceptional school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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