Becontree Primary School, located in Dagenham, Essex, has recently undergone an inspection on July 18 and 19, 2023, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has maintained its previous inspection grade of good, reflecting its commitment to providing a high-quality educational experience for its pupils.
The school fosters an inclusive culture where every individual feels welcome. Pupils and staff take pride in their school, adhering to a motto that emphasizes mutual respect. The sense of community is strong, with pupils expressing happiness, safety, and enjoyment in their learning environment. Staff members are well-acquainted with the pupils, establishing strong relationships that contribute to a positive atmosphere. The leadership team sets high expectations for all students, ensuring that the curriculum is ambitious and accessible, particularly for those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Pupils exhibit commendable behaviour both in lessons and throughout the school premises. They are polite, kind, and curious, with early years children learning essential skills such as following instructions and sharing. The school offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities, including the ‘Becontree Top 20’ programme, which provides planned experiences for all pupils each year. These experiences include visits to places of worship, charity fundraising, and attending live performances. Additionally, pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles and responsibilities.
The curriculum is designed to build knowledge progressively, aligning with the national curriculum's ambitions. In the Reception Year, the curriculum effectively supports children’s learning across various areas. Teachers demonstrate appropriate subject knowledge and present information clearly. However, there are instances where misunderstandings among pupils are not consistently identified and clarified during lessons, which can hinder their readiness to learn new concepts. In early years, staff assess children's progress and use this information to tailor their learning experiences, ensuring that assessments are ongoing and cater to each child's unique needs.
The school excels in supporting pupils with special educational needs. Leaders effectively identify these pupils' needs and provide exceptional support through bespoke curricular aims. The specially resourced provision for pupils with more complex needs is staffed by highly skilled professionals, ensuring that all pupils receive the necessary support to thrive.
Reading is prioritized from the start of the Reception Year, with well-trained staff delivering phonics instruction consistently. Pupils who struggle with reading are identified and supported, and the reading materials are well-matched to their abilities, fostering accuracy, fluency, and confidence. Daily reading sessions expose pupils to a variety of texts, enhancing their communication and language skills.
Pupils display positive attitudes towards learning, supported by clear and consistently applied behaviour management systems. Various reward systems are in place, which pupils appreciate. In early years, children demonstrate good behaviour and focus on their activities. The personal development curriculum is well-structured, educating pupils on safety and health in an age-appropriate manner. The school considers the local context when providing experiences, including outings and guest speakers.
Staff express high levels of satisfaction regarding their well-being, noting that leaders prioritize their health and welfare. Professional development opportunities are available, and strong relationships with parents and carers are fostered through workshops. The governing body effectively supports and challenges school leaders.
The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with staff trained to identify and report concerns. Leaders have established strong systems, viewing safeguarding as a collective responsibility. Pupils are educated on recognizing and reporting safeguarding issues, and the school collaborates with external agencies to provide specialized support.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school should focus on improving the systematic identification and clarification of pupils' misunderstandings and ensuring that they are secure in subject-specific vocabulary and knowledge. This will help ensure that all pupils are fully prepared to engage with new content and concepts. Overall, Becontree Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment for all its pupils.
