Benthal Primary School, located on Benthal Road in Hackney, London, was inspected on June 20 and 21, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting a positive environment for learning and development. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good, indicating a consistent standard across various aspects of the school.
The school fosters a culture of respect and support among pupils, encouraging them to help one another and develop a love for learning. Many parents and carers describe the school as friendly, noting that children make friends easily. Leaders maintain high expectations for pupils, who respond by focusing in class and behaving thoughtfully. Pupils feel safe and express enjoyment in attending school. The school places a strong emphasis on mental health, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, promoting healthy eating and regular exercise. Initiatives such as cycling lessons in Years 5 and 6 and environmental education in Year 5 are part of this focus.
Benthal Primary School offers a variety of educational outings and experiences. For instance, Year 5 pupils have the opportunity to practice their Spanish skills during a visit to a partner school in Madrid. Additionally, pupils in Years 4, 5, and 6 participate in annual residential trips, and all pupils learn to play musical instruments, including the ukulele and violin. Older pupils also engage in reading activities with younger students, fostering a sense of community and mentorship.
The curriculum at Benthal Primary is broad and well-structured, ensuring that pupils have adequate time to study all subjects in the national curriculum. Leaders have carefully considered what pupils should learn and when, particularly in subjects like history and science, where the curriculum is well-defined. However, there are areas in the early years where the curriculum could be more coherent, particularly in early reading and mathematics. In these areas, the school has not fully articulated what children should learn and when, which can lead to inconsistencies in knowledge and skill development.
Teachers generally provide effective instruction, helping pupils to remember what they have learned. For example, in Spanish, Year 5 pupils practice vocabulary until they achieve mastery. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge, and specialist staff contribute significantly to the educational experience. While most teachers explain new concepts clearly and check for understanding, there are instances where they do not consistently verify that pupils grasp key learning before progressing, which can hinder some pupils' comprehension.
The school's reading program is well-established, with leaders ensuring that staff receive appropriate training. They identify pupils who need additional support to build their reading confidence and provide targeted assistance to help them catch up with their peers. Leaders also effectively identify pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, collaborating with parents and external agencies to support these students. Teachers adapt their teaching and resources to ensure that pupils with SEND can access the same curriculum as their peers.
Pupils demonstrate focus and respect in the classroom, listening attentively to their teachers. Disruptions are rare and managed effectively, allowing for a conducive learning environment. The personal development program is comprehensive, with pupils participating in activities such as electing school council members and learning about world religions through visits to places of worship. They also engage in after-school clubs that include a variety of interests.
Communication with parents is prioritized, with leaders regularly updating them on their children's progress. The governing body is committed to improving educational quality and effectively supports and challenges school leaders. Staff report feeling heard and appreciated, particularly regarding their workload and professional development opportunities.
The safeguarding arrangements at Benthal Primary are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of potential harm and report concerns promptly. Leaders work closely with local agencies to ensure pupil safety and well-being. The personal development curriculum includes important topics such as online safety.
To improve, the school needs to systematically identify and sequence core knowledge and skills in some areas of early years learning. This will help ensure that all children develop secure knowledge and vocabulary across the foundation stage. Additionally, the school should ensure that teaching consistently reflects leaders' intentions and that all pupils, including those with SEND, learn and remember the intended content effectively.
