Goodmayes Primary School, located in Ilford, Essex, has recently undergone an inspection, which took place on March 19 and 20, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, reflecting the positive environment and quality of education provided to its pupils. The school has maintained this good rating since its previous inspection in March 2018.
The school fosters a welcoming culture where all pupils feel valued and supported. Staff members are well-acquainted with their students, leading to positive working relationships that contribute to a happy and safe school atmosphere. Pupils exhibit good behavior both in lessons and throughout the school premises, demonstrating confidence, politeness, and kindness. In the early years, children are learning to follow instructions and develop routines that prepare them for future schooling.
Leaders at Goodmayes Primary School have high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is ambitious and designed to challenge pupils, who respond with enthusiasm and a strong work ethic. They take pride in their achievements and enjoy the learning process. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including tag rugby, art, and cooking clubs, as well as opportunities for pupils to take on responsibilities within the school community, such as joining the school council or becoming playground monitors. Annual outings to galleries, places of worship, and museums further enrich the pupils' educational experience.
The curriculum is broad and builds on pupils' knowledge progressively. For instance, Year 1 students learn basic fractions before advancing to telling the time. In the early years, careful planning ensures that children develop across all areas of learning. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and present information clearly, making necessary adaptations for pupils with SEND to access the curriculum effectively. However, there are instances where staff do not consistently check pupils' understanding, which can lead to gaps in knowledge and hinder the learning of new content.
Reading is prioritized from the start of Reception, with staff identifying pupils who may fall behind and providing effective support to help them develop their decoding and blending skills. The emphasis on fostering a love for reading is evident, as pupils engage with a wide variety of books daily, resulting in strong reading skills by the time they leave the school.
Pupils display positive attitudes toward learning, supported by clear and effective behavior management systems. In the early years, staff encourage children to build confidence and learn essential social skills such as taking turns and sharing. Leaders have established procedures to promote high attendance, effectively communicating with parents to ensure regular school attendance.
The personal development curriculum is well-structured, teaching pupils about safety and health in an age-appropriate manner. The school invites external speakers to broaden pupils' awareness of the world. Staff receive strong support from leaders and have access to professional development opportunities. Communication with parents is robust, with sessions offered on various topics, including phonics and online safety. Governors are actively involved and understand the school's strengths and areas for improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements at Goodmayes Primary School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. To enhance the quality of education further, the school should focus on ensuring that all staff consistently identify gaps in pupils' knowledge and address misconceptions to facilitate better learning outcomes. Overall, Goodmayes Primary School provides a nurturing and effective educational environment for its pupils.
