East Halton Primary School, located in Immingham, Lincolnshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 19, 2024. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, where pupils express pride in their school and feel safe and supported. The small size of the school fosters a friendly environment, allowing students to form close relationships with one another and with staff. Pupils report that they enjoy attending the school, highlighting the tight-knit atmosphere and the care shown by staff.
Behavior among pupils is generally positive, with students demonstrating politeness and courtesy towards adults and peers. The school provides numerous opportunities for personal development, including learning from visitors and taking on various responsibilities that contribute to school life. High expectations for pupil achievement are evident, as reflected in the good standards of work produced by students. The introduction of a new and improved curriculum is helping pupils to retain knowledge across various subjects, although some areas are still in the early stages of implementation.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, particularly in mixed-age classes. The early years curriculum effectively meets the individual needs of children, preparing them well for key stage one. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are included in the same curriculum as their peers, with appropriate support in place. The school has a structured phonics program that is prioritized and consistently delivered, allowing pupils to develop their reading skills effectively. Regular reading at home and school contributes to pupils becoming confident and fluent readers.
In writing, the new curriculum has positively impacted pupils' skills, with a stronger focus on developing basic writing abilities from a young age. Handwriting quality has improved, and older pupils understand the different purposes of writing, applying this knowledge in their independent work. Feedback provided to pupils helps them understand how to enhance their writing further.
Mathematics instruction is generally effective, with a curriculum designed to build on prior knowledge and introduce new concepts in manageable steps. Support is provided to all pupils, including those with special educational needs, ensuring they can keep pace with their classmates. However, there are instances where teachers do not fully assess pupils' understanding before moving on to independent tasks, which can lead to misconceptions.
Pupils are able to recall previously learned information in many subjects, aiding their understanding of new concepts. However, in some areas, the curriculum is still developing, and leaders need to monitor how well pupils retain knowledge from new units of work. The school maintains high expectations for behavior, and attendance rates are good, supported by robust systems that provide necessary assistance to pupils and their families.
The school has undergone significant changes, with leaders identifying strategic improvements and taking steps to ensure continued pupil achievement. They work effectively with external partners, and staff recognize the positive impact of recent curriculum changes. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
In summary, East Halton Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong focus on personal development and academic achievement. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in assessment practices and curriculum monitoring, the overall environment and support systems contribute positively to the pupils' learning experience.
