Essendon CofE VC Primary School in Hertfordshire has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 20, 2022. The school is committed to fostering a positive environment where pupils learn and embody the values of the ‘Essendon Way.’ This ethos promotes tolerance, respect, and a sense of community, aligning with the school's Christian principles. As a result, incidents of bullying are infrequent, and when they do occur, they are handled with care and sensitivity. The school emphasizes inclusivity, teaching pupils about diverse family structures and exposing them to global stories and literature, which helps create a safe and happy atmosphere for all students.
Pupils at Essendon benefit from a well-rounded education that includes enrichment opportunities such as educational trips and various clubs, which help them discover new interests and develop leadership skills. The curriculum is designed to be ambitious and is supported by effective training for teachers, ensuring they possess the necessary subject knowledge to deliver lessons effectively. This structured approach allows pupils to acquire and consolidate essential skills across subjects, including history, where they learn about chronology and timelines.
Assessment practices are in place to monitor pupil progress, with teachers checking understanding at the end of units and addressing any gaps in knowledge. However, some subjects are not taught weekly, which can lead to pupils forgetting previously learned material. This inconsistency can hinder their ability to connect past learning with new concepts, particularly in subjects that are alternated.
The school has implemented a phonics program to support early reading, providing pupils with ample opportunities to practice their skills using appropriately leveled books. This foundation is crucial for developing confident and fluent readers. Older pupils have access to a diverse range of high-quality literature, which they engage with in discussions that often relate to current themes from assemblies or school trips. Many students express that the school actively encourages a love of reading.
While the overall provision is strong, some areas, particularly in early years education, require improvement. Teachers in early years do not always tailor their phonics instruction to meet individual pupil needs as effectively as those in other year groups. Additionally, in mathematics, there is a need for more consistent support in using physical resources to grasp abstract concepts, which can affect the pace of learning for some children.
The school environment is calm and orderly, with structured activities during break and lunch times. Each year group participates in trips, and residential visits are integral to the pupils' broader experiences. Spiritual development is supported through weekly assemblies, and pupils engage in discussions about current events, fostering a well-rounded personal, social, and health education.
The leadership team is effective, working collaboratively with the governing body to ensure positive outcomes for pupils. They have made efforts to engage with the local community and keep parents informed about the school's initiatives, particularly regarding fundamental British values and safety.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to identify and address any concerns regarding pupil safety. Leaders maintain effective communication with external agencies to provide necessary support for families. Although there were minor administrative errors in safeguarding records, these were promptly resolved during the inspection.
To enhance the school's performance, it is essential to ensure that all subjects are taught consistently and that early years provision is aligned with the high standards seen in other areas. Additionally, support for some pupils with special educational needs should be adjusted to prevent them from missing vital parts of the curriculum. Overall, Essendon CofE VC Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong foundation for future improvements.
