Coldfall Primary School in Coldfall Avenue, Muswell Hill, was visited by inspectors from the education watchdog on April 1 and 2.
Ofsted no longer gives single-word ratings for schools, but in its report, published on May 22, Coldfall was graded ‘outstanding’ for its quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
Inspectors wrote that the school has “a high ambition” for all pupils, and that they regularly meet its high expectations – a fact reflected in national test results.
They wrote that pupils are “safe and happy”, with breaktimes including a “rich” variety of activities such as well-supervised tree climbing, piano playing and dancing to music.
The report said: “Pupils regularly and enthusiastically take part in activities to improve the world around them. These include supporting international children’s charities and engaging in litter picking in the nearby woods.”
Inspectors said the “broad and ambitious” curriculum is delivered highly effectively, adding: “The school sets out the essential knowledge and skills for pupils to learn from the early years onwards. Subject content is skilfully sequenced to ensure knowledge builds cumulatively over time.”
They praised teaching of literacy, writing: “The school fosters a strong love of reading across the school. Reading time is an essential part of the school day which is enjoyed by all.
“In the early years, children enthusiastically and intently listen to stories. This includes stories read to them by visiting parents and carers who take on the role of ‘mystery reader’ for the day.”
The report noted “strong support” for pupils with special needs, with the school calling on experts such as psychologists and therapists and making “highly effective” adaptations to teaching. It added: “Pupils with SEND learn very well.”
The school has 667 pupils aged three to 11, and the report said children are eager to learn and rarely absent.
The report also praised the way the school uses outdoor play to teach skills such as negotiation, teamwork, and resilience, with a “vast range” of extracurricular clubs and experiences including capoeira, drama, and cooking, and pupils regularly representing the school at sporting competitions and national musical events.
Inspectors also praised the school’s leadership, adding: “The governing body provides effective support and challenge to the school.
“It engages with leaders and school staff purposefully to ensure workload demands are balanced reasonably.”
Headteacher Ewan Marshall said: “We’re very proud of our school’s achievement and the hard work of our dedicated staff, who made it happen.
“More than Ofsted, at Coldfall, we think it is important that our children sing really well, play brilliantly, learn to be active and look after the world around them. Children are happy here.”
