Eleanor Palmer Primary School, in Tufnell Park, kept its ‘outstanding’ rating by Ofsted after an inspection in September – its first since 2011 and a change of leadership in 2021.
The school, in Lupton Street, was given Ofsted’s top rating across all categories – the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.
Inspectors said the 234 pupils “thrive” in the “nurturing and supportive school” and have “exemplary behaviour”.
They said in their report published on October 13: “They (pupils) listen attentively, are highly motivated and show respect and kindness towards adults and each other.
“From early years onwards, pupils learn to identify emotions and adopt a mindset with which they see challenges or setbacks as a way to get better at something.”
The school provides a “rich, ambitious curriculum” for all pupils, inspectors wrote, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
“Pupils develop exceptionally detailed knowledge across the curriculum, which they recall with ease,” the report adds.
A love of reading is encouraged and books are carefully matched to the sounds that pupils are learning, Ofsted said.
It found there are many clubs, including for various sports, vocal tuition and spelling, with pupils able to take on responsibilities such as those of diversity champions and reading buddies.
“Each pupil is encouraged to have a voice in school life and be part of ‘The Big School Meeting’,” inspectors said.
“Their votes on these topics have had a positive impact on the school environment, even influencing decisions such as the flooring selected for the premises,” they added.
Inspectors found staff are “exceptionally positive” about working at Eleanor Palmer.
“They particularly appreciate the efforts made to reduce unnecessary workload and support their wellbeing. Staff at all levels feel that the school invests in their development.”
Co-heads Natalie Stevenson and Sally Hill took over from Kate Frood after she stood down in 2020.
They said the Ofsted ranking was “wonderful external validation of the standards of teaching we are striving for”.
“We took over two years ago,” they added. “It’s been difficult knowing that Ofsted might come any moment and that’s a lot of pressure. We wanted to show them a true picture of the school and what we do.
“We are really pleased for all our staff, the whole team, it recognises what we already feel – that we are continually trying to improve.”
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