Grange Primary School, located on Suffolk Road in Plaistow, London, was inspected on December 13 and 14, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with consistent ratings of good across various categories including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in November 2017.
Pupils at Grange Primary School express enjoyment in their school experience, highlighting a respectful and kind environment fostered by both staff and peers. The school prioritizes safety, and pupils feel secure within the school community. Leaders set high expectations for behaviour, which pupils meet, resulting in a calm and orderly atmosphere conducive to learning. The encouragement from teachers helps pupils focus and engage enthusiastically in their lessons.
The school addresses bullying effectively, with pupils reporting that it is rare and that any incidents are dealt with promptly by staff. Trust between pupils and staff is evident, as pupils feel comfortable discussing any problems with adults in the school. The curriculum includes lessons on democracy, where pupils participate in voting for peers to take on responsibilities such as school council members and sports ambassadors.
Cultural education is also a focus, with pupils learning about various faiths and cultures through visits to places of worship and interactions with guest speakers. A variety of extracurricular clubs, including gardening, art, and sports, are available to support pupils in developing their talents and interests.
Reading is a key priority at Grange Primary School, with daily reading sessions designed to instill a love for reading and ensure pupils learn to read quickly. Teachers are well-trained in early reading strategies, and assessment information is utilized to tailor phonics instruction to meet pupils' needs. The curriculum is well-structured, with clear learning objectives, although some subjects lack defined key vocabulary, which can hinder pupils' ability to articulate their understanding accurately.
In the early years, children receive a strong foundation, with ample opportunities to practice essential skills. Classrooms are safe and stimulating, promoting effective learning. Pupils demonstrate a solid grasp of mathematical concepts due to regular practice and revisiting of skills.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is effective, ensuring they can access learning alongside their peers. Collaboration with parents and outside agencies helps meet the diverse needs of these pupils, fostering independence and successful learning outcomes.
Behaviour management systems are clear and effective, minimizing disruptions to learning. The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum is well-structured, aiming to cultivate responsible and respectful citizens. Governors are actively involved and ambitious for the school, supporting leaders in managing workload and well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with a strong culture of safety evident throughout the school. Leaders are aware of local risks and engage with external agencies to support pupils and their families. Staff receive regular training to ensure they can identify and report concerns effectively.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that activities align closely with the knowledge and skills intended for pupils to learn and remember. Additionally, leaders should identify key vocabulary across the curriculum to enhance pupils' ability to articulate their understanding. Overall, Grange Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for all pupils.
