Old Heath Community Primary School in Colchester, Essex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on December 2 and 3, 2021. The school fosters a positive and supportive environment where pupils feel happy and engaged. Students demonstrate care for one another and maintain good relationships with staff. The school’s ethos encourages pupils to uphold values such as honesty, respect, and diligence, which contributes to a culture of good behavior and a strong desire to learn. The school community is characterized by a sense of belonging, and both pupils and parents express satisfaction with the nurturing atmosphere.
The curriculum at Old Heath is broad and ambitious, tailored to meet the diverse needs of its pupils. Subject leaders possess strong knowledge and passion for their areas, providing effective support and professional development for teachers. The school places a significant emphasis on reading, with a well-structured early reading curriculum that builds phonics knowledge over time. This approach enables pupils to read unfamiliar words accurately and fosters a love for literature. The integration of reading across various subjects enhances pupils' learning experiences and helps them make connections between different areas of study.
Learning is carefully planned from the early years through to Year 6, ensuring that pupils develop essential skills progressively. In mathematics, for instance, children in Reception learn vocabulary related to numbers and shapes, which prepares them for more complex concepts in later years. By Year 6, many pupils exhibit confidence in their mathematical abilities, demonstrating strong reasoning and problem-solving skills. The curriculum is designed to support knowledge acquisition step-by-step, allowing pupils to build on their learning effectively.
While the school excels in many areas, there are identified gaps in pupils' speaking and listening skills, particularly as a result of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some pupils lack the confidence to engage in discussions or respond to questions, which has prompted school leaders to develop plans to enhance oracy skills. However, these plans are still in the early stages of implementation and require further development to ensure that all pupils can participate fully in class discussions.
The early years curriculum is well-structured, promoting children's development and preparing them for future learning. Activities encourage exploration and discussion about their experiences, fostering early skills in various subjects. The school also provides effective support for pupils who may struggle with their learning, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This support enables all pupils to access the curriculum and achieve well.
Staff at Old Heath maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, establishing clear routines that promote a calm and purposeful learning environment. The school has effective processes in place to address any behavioral issues, which are infrequent. Leaders prioritize pupils' personal development, ensuring that they learn about important topics such as rights, responsibilities, and emotional well-being.
Governors are actively involved in the school’s improvement journey, holding leaders accountable and ensuring that the school continues to progress. The well-being of staff is also a priority, with leaders monitoring workload and providing support where necessary. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns, ensuring that pupils are protected from harm.
Overall, Old Heath Community Primary School is a good school that provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in developing speaking and listening skills, the school is committed to fostering a culture of learning and personal growth.
