William Bellamy Primary School in Dagenham, Essex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 12 and 13, 2024. The school prioritizes the well-being of its pupils, creating a nurturing and supportive environment where students feel valued and safe. Pupils express appreciation for the assistance they receive from staff, particularly in understanding new concepts and learning from their mistakes. The school effectively teaches pupils about safety, including online safety, and has established a clear protocol for addressing bullying, ensuring that any incidents are dealt with promptly.
The school maintains high expectations for its pupils, who respond positively by engaging well with the curriculum. Classroom behavior is commendable, with pupils adhering to school routines and demonstrating politeness and consideration towards one another. When expectations are not met, the school addresses these situations fairly and effectively, encouraging pupils to reflect on their behavior and understand its impact on others. This approach fosters a supportive atmosphere for both staff and students.
The curriculum at William Bellamy Primary School is designed to broaden pupils' life experiences, offering a wide range of clubs and activities that promote leadership skills. Pupils have opportunities to become ambassadors for diversity and STEM, and they participate in visits to various places of worship, learning the importance of respecting different cultures and lifestyles. This comprehensive approach prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain.
The school has developed an ambitious curriculum that caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders are proactive in identifying the needs of these pupils and tailoring their learning experiences accordingly. The school also maintains strong communication with parents and carers, keeping them informed about their children's progress and how they can support their learning.
Despite the school's strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some pupils, particularly those who join mid-year or have limited prior schooling, have not fully caught up academically, as reflected in the 2023 assessment outcomes. The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils experience a high-quality education, including those who may struggle with reading. While the approach to early reading is generally effective, there are instances where teaching methods do not maximize learning opportunities, particularly in phonics instruction.
Teachers are well-supported in delivering the curriculum, and they frequently reinforce prior learning to help pupils build on their knowledge. However, there are occasions when explanations lack clarity, and learning tasks do not effectively promote understanding. The school recognizes the need to refine its teaching strategies to ensure that all pupils achieve their potential.
Attendance is a priority for the school, with efforts to analyze and address the reasons for pupil absences. This proactive approach has led to a noticeable reduction in absence rates. The school also emphasizes the importance of all-round development, teaching pupils about diversity and encouraging kindness and empathy through special events that celebrate different cultures and perspectives.
Staff members feel valued and supported, with leaders considering their workload and well-being when implementing new initiatives. The governing body is knowledgeable and actively engages in supporting and challenging school leaders to drive improvements. Overall, William Bellamy Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong commitment to the well-being and development of its pupils.
