The outstanding Charlton school where pupils feel they are ‘one big family’

Our Lady of Grace Catholic Primary School staff and pupils impressed inspectors with the school’s community values and high standards of behaviour.

Inspectors visited the school on March 21 and 22 this year and decided that the school has maintained the outstanding standard it accomplished at its previous inspection back in 2017.

The ethos of the school was described by Ofsted as “caring and welcoming” and a pupil even summarised this by telling an inspector “no matter how different we are, we are all just one big family and treat each other with respect and kindness.

Inspectors found that staff are ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

The curriculum was described by Ofsted as “rich and engaging”, taking steps to continuously reflect on and refine what they are teaching.

Lessons are planned so that pupils can remember small chunks of knowledge which they build on lesson by lesson.

Pupil’s work is described as “high-quality” and inspectors found they could recall their knowledge securely.

Teachers introduce subject-specific vocabulary to pupils and make sure they have opportunities to practice using these words.

Ofsted found that reading is a priority at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Primary School.

Staff were found to be good at identifying any pupils falling behind and then putting extra support in place to ensure that their learning stays on track.

The team at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Primary School have praised Sean Small, the headteacher, for their commitment to the children.

A spokesperson for the school governors at Our Lady of Grace said: “Huge congratulations to the team in the school on such an outstanding report.

“It is testament to the dedication, professionalism and hard work of everyone at the school that it has been awarded outstanding status for the second time in a row by Ofsted.

“Every school in the country found the pandemic incredibly challenging, but to have emerged from such an unprecedented event in such glowing form is nothing short of amazing.”

 “Our Lady of Grace puts its pupils at the heart of everything it does and achieves fantastic outcomes for every child that walks through our door.

“It is wonderful to see this reflected in the brilliant accolade Ofsted has bestowed on our school.”