Coppice Primary School, located in Chigwell, Essex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 10 and 11, 2022. The school fosters a welcoming and diverse community where pupils are happy and eager to attend. They exhibit friendliness, politeness, and consideration towards one another. The leadership team, including governors, has established high expectations for both learning and behavior, resulting in a hardworking student body that behaves well in class and throughout the school. Pupils report that instances of poor behavior or bullying are rare, and they feel confident in raising any concerns, knowing that staff will address them promptly.
The school places a strong emphasis on character development, providing numerous opportunities for pupils to take on leadership roles. For instance, students can apply to become class advocates, which involves responsibilities such as managing the school library and assisting younger pupils. The selection process for these roles is rigorous, requiring students to submit applications, prepare presentations, and attend interviews.
Coppice Primary School prioritizes reading, particularly in the early stages. Teachers regularly assess pupils' phonetic knowledge and provide additional support to those who need it, ensuring that all students can catch up and keep pace with their peers. However, there are occasional lapses in ensuring that older pupils have access to appropriate reading materials, particularly for those who missed phonics training during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The curriculum is well-planned and sequenced in most subjects, particularly in mathematics, where pupils build their understanding of numbers progressively. Early years students engage in activities that prepare them for later learning, such as planting seeds and reading about plant growth. Teachers regularly check pupils' understanding and provide extra support when necessary, allowing students to build their knowledge over time. However, the curriculum is not yet as well-structured in all subjects, leading to instances where pupils may be overwhelmed with too much information at once or learn disconnected facts.
Leaders are aware of potential gaps in learning due to the pandemic and have prioritized practical learning experiences in subjects like science, which were missed during remote learning. The early years program is effective, with staff fostering extended conversations and providing a well-resourced environment for play and learning.
The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive the support they need to succeed. Teachers break down learning into manageable steps, promoting independence among students. However, there are rare occasions when additional support staff may inadvertently hinder this independence by providing too much guidance.
Coppice Primary School offers a variety of after-school clubs and encourages pupils to explore new interests. The school emphasizes the importance of listening, compromise, and appropriate apologies among students, contributing to a positive learning environment. Staff report that they receive adequate support from leaders, who are approachable and provide valuable guidance.
The governing body is knowledgeable about the school and offers both support and challenge to ensure continuous improvement. Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to listen to pupils and respond promptly to any concerns. The school teaches pupils about safety, including online safety, ensuring they understand how to protect themselves.
While the school is performing well, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that the curriculum is consistently well-planned across all subjects and that all staff receive necessary training to support struggling readers effectively. Leaders are already addressing these issues to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
