Engaines Primary School and Nursery, located in Little Clacton, Essex, was inspected on December 6 and 7, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with consistent ratings across various aspects including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has maintained a good standard since its previous inspection in July 2016.
Pupils at Engaines Primary School demonstrate eagerness and enthusiasm for learning, appreciating the support provided by their teachers. They are motivated to meet the high expectations set by the adults in their environment. The school community is characterized by kindness and respect, with pupils treating each other well during lessons and playtime. The school fosters a positive atmosphere where pupils feel safe and supported, with staff readily available to address any concerns.
The school has implemented a curriculum that outlines essential knowledge for pupils. Leaders have recognized areas where the curriculum needed improvement and have taken steps to enhance it. However, in some subjects, the planning and monitoring processes are not as well developed, leading to gaps in pupils' understanding of key concepts. Teachers are encouraged to revisit important topics regularly to ensure a thorough grasp of the material.
Reading is prioritized from the early years, with children enjoying stories and developing their literacy skills through engaging activities. The school has a structured reading program that supports pupils who struggle with reading, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to improve their skills. The special educational needs coordinator works closely with staff to identify and support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, allowing them to access the same curriculum as their peers.
Engaines Primary School offers a rich experience beyond academics, with a wide range of extracurricular activities, assemblies, and trips that contribute to pupils' personal development. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities within the school community, fostering a sense of citizenship and independence. The school has made efforts to improve attendance, particularly for those pupils who have been frequently absent, and is developing a clear action plan to address this issue.
Governors play an active role in holding school leaders accountable, having a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They are involved in setting development priorities, particularly in mathematics. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks to pupils. The curriculum includes education on safety, including online safety, ensuring pupils are well-informed.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to enhance the planning and monitoring of the curriculum in certain subjects to ensure that all teachers are effectively checking pupils' understanding and addressing any misconceptions. Additionally, there remains a small number of pupils with low attendance, which impacts their learning. Leaders are tasked with establishing a systematic approach to support these pupils to improve their attendance and engagement in learning.
Overall, Engaines Primary School and Nursery provides a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils, with a commitment to continuous improvement in both academic and personal development.
