A Thamesmead primary school where pupils run a “magic book shop” and can join anime and manga clubs has been praised following an Ofsted inspection.
Jubilee Primary School, in Crowden Way, met the expected standard in every area assessed when inspectors visited on July 14. Ofsted highlighted the range of activities available to children, as well as the school’s focus on reading, inclusion and giving pupils a say in school life.
Pupils help younger children to discover a love of reading as “pupil librarians” and lead the school’s “magic book shop”, which gifts books to children.
Inspectors said pupils also enjoy a range of extracurricular activities, with the school seeking their views on what they would like to take part in. This has led to activities including anime and manga clubs as well as additional girls’ football opportunities.
Members of the school parliament have also helped make changes, including altering lunchtime menu options and securing additional equipment for pupils to use at lunchtime.
The report said: “Pupils are happy and feel that they belong at this welcoming and inclusive school. They feel safe and trust staff to help them if they are worried.”
Inspectors said pupils behave well both in lessons and during social times, while bullying is rare and incidents are dealt with quickly when they do occur.
The school was also praised for its broad curriculum, with pupils said to develop secure knowledge across a range of subjects. Reading is prioritised from the early years, while inspectors found younger children develop secure basic skills in reading, writing and mathematics.
Ofsted also highlighted efforts to challenge stereotypes through pupils’ personal development, including teaching around beliefs that girls should not play football. Children are taught about equality and different beliefs, with inspectors saying pupils are clear that “difference is something to be celebrated”.
The school, which has 159 pupils, is part of the Trinitas Academy Trust and is led by principal Evonne Wallace. Its safeguarding arrangements met Ofsted’s standards, with inspectors finding an open culture in which concerns are identified and acted upon.
