Belmont Park School, located in Leyton, London, has been inspected recently, and the overall judgment remains good. The inspection, conducted on 20 and 21 March 2024, revealed that while the school maintains its good status, there are indications that a graded inspection might yield a lower rating if conducted now. The next inspection will be a graded one.
The school is often described as a family by both staff and pupils, highlighting the strong relationships built within the community. Staff members are dedicated to understanding the individual needs of pupils, providing support when challenges arise. This nurturing environment contributes to improved behavior over time, creating classrooms conducive to learning.
Belmont Park School offers a variety of opportunities aimed at enhancing pupils' self-esteem, confidence, resilience, and social skills. Activities such as ice-skating and residential trips are part of the school's commitment to holistic development. Pupils are encouraged to support one another and actively participate in the school community, engaging in collective cooking and sports competitions.
Academically, the school provides a diverse curriculum that includes both academic and vocational subjects. While some subjects are well-planned, others lack clarity in curriculum design, leading to inconsistencies in how pupils build on their prior knowledge. The school aims for all pupils to engage with a challenging curriculum that prepares them for adulthood, with subjects that offer insights into various career paths. However, the sequencing of knowledge in some areas needs improvement to ensure all pupils learn effectively.
The school is particularly effective in catering for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, especially those facing social, emotional, and mental health challenges. Staff employ various strategies to support these pupils, including counseling and targeted interventions. However, there are concerns regarding the support for pupils with more complex learning needs, as teaching adjustments are not consistently sufficient to help them achieve their potential.
Reading support is a priority, with staff assessing pupils' reading fluency and comprehension upon their arrival. Additional lessons are provided for those struggling with reading, but the school does not adequately identify gaps in phonics knowledge, which hampers the development of decoding skills and overall reading fluency.
Many pupils arrive at the school having missed significant schooling, and a notable strength of Belmont Park is its ability to help these pupils re-engage with their education and improve attendance. Strong relationships between staff, pupils, and families facilitate a supportive environment where individual challenges are addressed collaboratively. Personalized plans for each pupil assist in their transition into school life, complemented by various activities that build confidence and self-esteem.
The school maintains a calm atmosphere, with staff effectively managing behavior and providing pupils with strategies to handle their emotions and well-being. This focus on emotional health allows pupils to concentrate on their learning. The personal, social, and health education curriculum includes relevant topics that equip pupils with knowledge about keeping themselves safe and healthy.
The safeguarding arrangements at Belmont Park School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school must address the need for coherent sequencing of knowledge across all subjects and provide targeted support for weaker readers to enhance their reading skills. Additionally, teaching must be adapted more effectively to meet the needs of pupils with complex requirements, ensuring they can access the full curriculum and achieve their learning goals.
