Stepney Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 March 2023

Pupils enjoy coming to school and say that they feel safe here. Leaders and staff have high expectations for pupils both academically and personally. Pupils know that they need to have 'kind words, kind hands and kind actions'. Leaders and staff provide a high-quality education for all pupils. They learn a wide range of subjects from early years to Year 6. The school offers a range of experiences for pupils beyond the classroom. Leaders want pupils to be prepared for their future lives. There are regular visits and visitors to school. Pupils have the chance to visit the Royal Opera House in London. Staff build positive relationships with pupils. On the rare occasions that bullying happens, it is addressed effectively by staff. Parents speak positively about behaviour and communication. The feel that expectations about behaviour are clear. There are strong relationships between staff and parents. Pupils, staff and parents look forward to the Friday celebration assembly. Pupils are rewarded for being 'star of the week'. The 'learning muscle trophy' is awarded to pupils who have shown commitment to their learning. Pupils know that applying the learning muscles helps them to experience a better education.

What the school should improve

• In mathematics, teachers do not always adapt learning well enough to ensure that the needs of all pupils are being met. This means that some pupils are not engaged in their learning. This leads to a lack of interest in mathematics for some pupils. Leaders should ensure that teachers have the training and support that they need to deliver lessons so that pupils are given opportunities to explain their thinking and they have a deeper understanding of the key knowledge that they have identified as being important.
• Reading books are not matched closely enough to phonics ability for some pupils. This means that the younger pupils are unable to read independently without adult support. Leaders should support teachers to ensure that they are selecting the reading books which focus on the sounds that pupils know well.
• Leaders do not make sure that all parents fully understand the importance of pupils attending school every day. This means that pupils are missing vital elements of their learning. Leaders must ensure that the newly appointed attendance team have the training and the support that they need to manage attendance levels more rigorously.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)