Barley Lane Primary School, located in Chadwell Heath, Romford, Essex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection from March 3 to March 4, 2020. The school provides a positive and secure environment for its pupils, fostering respect among students, staff, and visitors. Instances of bullying are infrequent, and any concerns raised are addressed promptly and fairly by the staff. Pupils express pride in their school, which enhances their learning experience through memorable educational visits to places like the Tate Gallery and Colchester Castle. These excursions are particularly impactful, as students recall them vividly when studying related topics in history.
The introduction of house teams has successfully united the school community, reinforcing the school's values. Pupils enjoy earning points for demonstrating these values in their work and behavior. Older students are encouraged to take on additional responsibilities, such as becoming young leaders or advocates, which helps them develop leadership skills and take pride in their roles. Parents echo this sentiment, with many expressing that the school serves as a strong foundation for their children's futures.
The school excels in providing a well-structured and ambitious curriculum tailored to the community's needs. Teachers maintain high expectations for all students, adapting lessons effectively for those with special educational needs and disabilities. This inclusive approach ensures that every pupil can engage with the learning material. The mathematics curriculum is particularly strong, with clear and sequenced teaching that has led to improved outcomes. Pupils are equipped with effective problem-solving strategies and understand the importance of taking responsibility for their learning.
Reading is prioritized within the school, with effective early reading instruction in place. Staff utilize a structured phonics program that helps young learners develop essential reading and writing skills. In key stage one, pupils continue to build their fluency and confidence in reading aloud, with additional support provided to those who need it. The reading materials are well-matched to the phonics being taught, ensuring that pupils receive the necessary support to enhance their reading fluency. Attractive reading corners in classrooms and daily read-aloud sessions by teachers further promote a love for reading.
The curriculum is organized into engaging topics that stimulate pupils' curiosity. For instance, Year 6 students explored the question Does crime ever pay? while studying the Victorians, allowing them to connect historical events with critical thinking. The planning of lessons builds on prior knowledge, enabling pupils to develop a comprehensive understanding of various subjects, including history and geography. In Year 4, students learned about Roman Britain through diverse sources, encouraging them to draw their own conclusions about historical life.
Computing is an area of growth within the school, with leaders providing guidance and training to enhance teachers' confidence in delivering the subject. Pupils show enthusiasm for computing, recognizing its relevance to their future. They are educated about digital footprints and e-safety, particularly regarding the risks associated with unsafe online contacts.
Behavior across the school is commendable, with pupils demonstrating good listening and speaking skills from an early age. Their behavior during lessons and at break times is calm and focused, contributing to a positive learning atmosphere. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including creative and sporting clubs, which are accessible to all pupils. Attendance has improved and is now in line with national averages, although some pupils still have high absence rates, which remains a priority for the school.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with leaders fostering a strong culture of safety. Staff recruitment records are meticulously maintained, and training has heightened staff awareness of potential risks to pupils. Concerns are addressed swiftly, and collaboration with external agencies is effective, providing necessary support to families.
While the school has coherent plans for most curriculum areas, further development is needed in subjects like computing to ensure all pupils achieve well across the board. Attendance continues to improve, but targeted efforts are required to address the needs of pupils with high absence rates. Overall, Barley Lane Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its students.
