Edward Francis Primary School, located in Rayleigh, Essex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 19 and 20, 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel happy and safe. They appreciate the strong relationships they have with their teachers, who make learning enjoyable. The students exhibit politeness towards one another and possess a solid understanding of right and wrong. The leadership team maintains high expectations for both the academic performance and behavior of all pupils. This is reflected in the students' good behavior during lessons and on the playground, where they engage in various activities and games without concerns about bullying, which is reported to be infrequent and effectively managed by staff.
Pupils demonstrate eagerness to learn and maintain positive attitudes towards their education. The curriculum is designed to be engaging, with a focus on interesting content that encourages students to read widely. The subjects taught, particularly in computing and history, provide rich opportunities for acquiring new knowledge. Personal development is prioritized, with students learning the value of teamwork and contributing to the school community through roles such as eco representatives and house captains. Many students participate in extracurricular activities, including popular sports like tennis, gymnastics, and dodgeball, which enhance their fitness and teamwork skills.
The school excels in its ambitious curriculum, which is well-structured and designed to inspire students. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive the necessary knowledge to succeed. The curriculum is organized effectively, with clear expectations set for what students should learn and when. Teachers are adept at providing clear explanations and creating tasks that facilitate the application of new knowledge. Assessment strategies in English and mathematics are effective, allowing teachers to identify when students require additional support, leading to strong achievement in these subjects.
However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the foundation subjects where assessment lacks clarity. This gap means that subject leaders and teachers do not fully understand how well the curriculum is being taught or how effectively students are retaining key knowledge. Leaders are encouraged to enhance assessment processes in these subjects to ensure a comprehensive understanding of student progress.
Reading is a key focus at Edward Francis Primary School, with leaders ensuring that students are exposed to a diverse range of texts to develop their reading fluency. The school provides effective phonics training for staff, enabling early readers to catch up quickly if they fall behind. Collaboration with parents and local early years providers ensures that children transition smoothly into the school environment, with a well-designed early years curriculum that prepares them academically and socially for key stage one.
Pupils with special educational needs benefit from high-quality support, with early identification and clear guidance for teachers to help these students achieve well. The school promotes exemplary behavior among pupils, fostering a culture of confidence and participation in class discussions. Staff express pride in their work environment, feeling well-supported by leadership, which is attentive to their well-being and workload. Parents overwhelmingly support the school, highlighting its caring and organized approach to education.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with established systems to protect pupils from harm. Staff receive regular training to stay informed about potential risks, and pupils are educated on how to stay safe in various situations. Overall, Edward Francis Primary School continues to provide a good educational experience, with a commitment to improvement in assessment practices to enhance student learning across all subjects.
