The Belham Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders, governors, parents, carers, staff and pupils collectively have created a strong, and vibrant school community.

As a result, this is a good school. The executive headteacher, head of school and other leaders are focused on the right priorities to move the school forward. The curriculum is a strength of the school.

Pupils benefit from learning a wide range of subjects within and beyond the school day. As one parent stated, 'teachers make learning lively and fun.' Teachers have successfully implemented a mathematics programme but this has not yet had a strong impact on pupils' progress in all classes.

The proportion of chil...dren attaining a good level of development at the end of Reception is well above the national average. At the end of Year 1, the proportion of pupils reaching the expected standard in the phonics screening check is well above the national expectation. Pupils' overall attainment in reading, writing and mathematics at the end of key stage 1 is above the national average.

The partnerships with parents and the wider community are strong features of the school. The school is a safe, nurturing environment. Pupils feel safe and are well cared for.

Staff are vigilant and report any concerns they have to leaders in a range of ways. The school's 'early help' provision supports vulnerable pupils and families well. Pupils are delightful, respectful, interesting young people who exemplify the school's 'Belhamite' values.

They enjoy school, and this is reflected in their good attendance. Children in the early years benefit from a fun-filled start to school life. They are excited by the interesting topics and activities which are planned for them.

The outdoor spaces and resources are developing well, but do not reflect the quality of the indoor space. There is some variability in the quality of teaching across the provision. Teaching ensures that pupils make good progress.

However, sometimes, pupils are given tasks which do not meet their needs or help them to be successful in some aspects of their learning. The quality of pupils' work is sometimes hampered by poor handwriting or presentation. Pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities are supported well and make good progress.

Information about this school

The Belham is a growing two-form entry primary free school which opened in 2015. It is part of the Dulwich Hamlet Educational Trust. The school moved to its current site this academic year.

The school operated three sites up until 2018. The executive headteacher was invited to open the school by Southwark local authority. She currently works at the school 2.

5 days a week. The head of school was appointed in September 2017. The proportion of pupils who are eligible for the pupil premium funding is below the national average.

The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is well below the national average. The largest ethnic group in the school is White British. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is below the national average.