Swallowdale Primary School and Community Centre

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 December 2022

This is an inclusive and ambitious school. This is exemplified through their school motto, 'together we fly high'. Expectations are high, both academically and personally, particularly for those with a special educational need and/or disability (SEND). There are many opportunities for pupils to develop a range of skills, such as gardening, cooking and cheerleading. Pupils enjoy having responsibilities. They make decisions in the school council to improve their school. Pupils behave well. They are respectful of one another. One pupil said: 'You are taught to think before you speak. As a consequence, boys and girls are respectful to each other.' The school is a calm place. There are well-established routines at lunchtimes and playtimes with organised activities. Pupils learn at an early stage the importance of rules through the school's values, 'be prepared, be safe, be respectful'. Pupils say they feel safe. They state bullying is rare and should it happen teachers will deal with it. There has been a focus recently to ensure the curriculum covers the history of the local community. This has further engaged pupils in their learning. One parent said: 'My children come home excited about what they have learned each day.'

What the school should improve

• There are detailed plans in all subjects, which make clear the substantive knowledge teachers need to deliver during lessons. However, in some subjects the disciplinary knowledge is not that precise. As a consequence, some teachers lack this knowledge. Subject leaders should establish what teachers know and provide the necessary support and training for them should they need it.
• Monitoring processes are in place for leaders to check the implementation of the curriculum. However, this is at times focused on meetings rather than leaders visiting lessons and evaluating the consistency and quality of provision. As a consequence, provision in some subjects is not consistent. Leaders should ensure they make the necessary checks, so that the intended curriculum is delivered as it was intended in all subjects.

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