Rathfern Primary School – Self-Evaluation Summary for Parents (2024-2025)

School Overview

• Rathfern Primary is a two-form entry school in Catford, London, for children aged 4–11.
• Approximately 494 pupils are taught in single-age classes, with 28 children in the nursery (14 full-time, 14 part-time).
• The school serves a diverse community with:
• 61% of pupils from minority ethnic groups.
• 37% speaking English as an additional language.
• 16% of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• 26% eligible for free school meals and 32% receiving pupil premium.

Key Strengths

✅ Curriculum and Teaching

• Broad, balanced, and engaging curriculum aligned with national standards.
• Strong focus on reading, writing, and maths.
• Specialist teachers for Music, PE, and Art.
• Emphasis on executive function skills to support self-regulation and learning.

✅ Inclusion and Diversity

• Committed to social and environmental justice.
• Curriculum reflects diverse voices and experiences.
• Strong support for SEND and disadvantaged pupils.

✅ Personal Development and Behaviour

• Pupils are confident, respectful, and motivated to learn.
• Strong moral code based on the Rights Respecting Schools Charter.
• Effective behaviour management and support for emotional well-being.

✅ Parental Involvement

• Regular communication and workshops to support parents.
• High levels of parental satisfaction (100% of parents surveyed said their child is happy at school).

Key Priorities for 2024-2025

1. Improving Reading and Writing
• Develop reading fluency and comprehension.
• Strengthen writing through structured instruction and practice.
2. Maths Mastery
• Enhance accuracy and understanding of key mathematical concepts.
3. Behaviour and Attendance
• Strengthen learning behaviours and reduce persistent absences.
• Promote respectful peer relationships and online safety.
4. Strengthening Teaching and Leadership
• Provide targeted professional development for staff.
• Develop middle leadership to improve monitoring and evaluation of learning.
5. Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• Improve communication and language skills in Reception and Nursery.
• Targeted support for disadvantaged pupils.

Recent Performance (2024)

• Phonics Check: 92% of Year 1 pupils achieved the expected standard (above national average).
• Key Stage 2 Results: 54% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined (national average = 61%).
• Early Years: 78% of pupils achieved a Good Level of Development (GLD) (above national average of 68%).

Next Steps

• Continue targeted support for reading and writing.
• Focus on improving outcomes for SEND and disadvantaged pupils.
• Build on strengths in personal development and behaviour.
• Strengthen parental engagement and communication.