Elsenham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, located in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, received a positive inspection report in March 2019, highlighting its overall effectiveness as good. The leadership and management of the school were rated outstanding, reflecting the high expectations set by leaders and governors, which are shared by all staff. This collective vision has led to pupils leaving the school as well-rounded individuals, with significant progress noted in English and mathematics. The school provides precise training and support for staff, holding them accountable for their work quality. The curriculum is designed to inspire pupils, who demonstrate secure knowledge across various subjects and are well-prepared for their next educational steps.
Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs benefit from targeted support, resulting in excellent progress from their starting points. The early years provision is also outstanding, with children making strong progress. Pupils are well cared for, enthusiastic about learning, and demonstrate good behavior, understanding how to keep themselves safe. The curriculum promotes the school’s values and supports pupils’ social, moral, spiritual, and cultural development, fostering caring and ambitious individuals.
While the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is generally good and improving, some teachers do not consistently consider pupils’ starting points, which can slow learning, particularly for the most able pupils. In subjects beyond English and mathematics, some teachers’ expectations are not high enough, affecting the quality of pupils’ work. Nevertheless, pupils are making good or improving progress in these subjects.
To further improve, the school aims to enhance teaching quality by ensuring all teachers plan activities that consider pupils’ starting points and maintain high expectations for the quality of work across all subjects. Leadership is highly effective, with the headteacher and senior leadership team maintaining strong outcomes despite recent staffing changes. The commitment to staff development is evident in the comprehensive training programs provided, which help improve teaching practices.
The well-structured curriculum allows pupils to learn a wide range of subjects, preparing them well for future education. Pupils express enthusiasm for their learning, demonstrating confidence in discussing various topics. The school offers numerous enrichment opportunities, including workshops and after-school clubs, which contribute to pupils’ holistic development.
Governance is strong, with governors sharing the vision for pupil success and effectively monitoring the impact of funding, particularly for vulnerable pupils. They understand the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, providing necessary support and challenge to leaders. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a high priority placed on pupils’ safety and well-being.
Pupils make strong progress in reading and mathematics, with impressive attainment levels noted in national assessments. The school’s focus on phonics has resulted in most pupils meeting the screening check requirements. Although writing progress has been less strong, current actions are positively impacting pupils’ writing skills. Overall, pupils are making good progress across the curriculum, with leaders ensuring effective teaching practices are in place to support all learners.
In the early years, children are accurately assessed upon entry, allowing for tailored support that leads to excellent progress. The environment is well-organized, promoting independent learning and social skills. Adults effectively engage with children, fostering a love for learning and ensuring that all statutory welfare requirements are met. The strong relationships between staff and parents enhance children’s learning experiences, contributing to their overall development and readiness for future educational challenges.
