John Perry Primary School, located in Dagenham, Essex, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on April 30 and May 1, 2024. The school is characterized by a welcoming and inclusive environment where pupils feel happy and safe. They are encouraged to communicate with staff about any concerns, fostering a supportive atmosphere. The behavior of pupils is commendable, as they listen attentively during lessons and collaborate effectively with their peers. Incidents of bullying are infrequent, and school leaders are proactive in addressing any issues that arise, ensuring a safe learning environment.
The leadership team at John Perry Primary School maintains high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to provide a broad range of learning opportunities, promoting awareness and appreciation of diversity. For instance, in religious education, pupils visit various places of worship, and educational outings to sites like Tower Bridge and Eastbury Manor House enhance their understanding of the subjects they study.
Pupils take pride in their contributions to the school community, engaging in roles such as playground buddies and school councillors. They participate in various extracurricular activities that nurture their talents and interests, including sports like netball and American football, as well as music lessons.
The curriculum at John Perry Primary School is ambitious and aligns with national expectations. Leaders have clearly defined what pupils should learn across most subjects and have structured the curriculum to revisit and reinforce key concepts over time. This approach helps students secure essential knowledge and apply their understanding to more complex topics. For example, in mathematics, pupils learn a wide range of vocabulary that they effectively use in problem-solving and reasoning. Similarly, in religious education, they explore the customs and practices of different faiths, enabling them to compare and contrast beliefs.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement. Leaders are currently refining the curriculum, and in some subjects, assessment practices need to be more precise to effectively gauge pupil learning. This lack of precision can lead to gaps in knowledge and misconceptions that are not adequately addressed, limiting the depth of understanding for some students.
Reading is prioritized from the outset, with children in the nursery introduced to letter sounds through rhymes and stories. The phonics program is consistently implemented, ensuring that pupils practice reading books that match their learning. Staff closely monitor reading progress, allowing for timely interventions for those who may be falling behind. This commitment to reading fosters confident and fluent readers, supported by regular library visits and diverse literature shared in classrooms.
The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs, collaborating with external agencies and providing staff training to ensure timely assistance. The specially resourced provision for pupils with autism spectrum disorder is well-structured, allowing these students to access the mainstream curriculum alongside their peers.
Pupils demonstrate respectful behavior towards one another and staff, with low-level disruptions being rare. The school has effective systems in place to manage attendance, working closely with families to address any barriers to regular attendance.
John Perry Primary School offers a wide range of experiences that support pupils' broader development, including community involvement and visits from local services. Staff express positive sentiments about the school, feeling supported by leadership initiatives aimed at reducing workload and enhancing well-being. Parents and carers also share favorable views regarding the care provided by the school.
The safeguarding arrangements at John Perry Primary School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement, particularly in refining assessment practices to enhance learning outcomes for all students.
