Hunters Hall Primary School, located in Dagenham, Essex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 18 and 19, 2023. The school is characterized by a welcoming environment where kindness and care among pupils are evident. Students enjoy their time at school, largely due to the supportive adults who facilitate their learning. The behavior of pupils is commendable, both in lessons and throughout the school, as they have been taught the significance of maintaining positive conduct. Generally, pupils demonstrate a strong work ethic and produce quality work across various subjects.
Pupils feel secure and happy, knowing they can turn to one of their five trusted adults if they have any concerns. This support system contributes to their overall well-being. The school provides numerous opportunities for pupils to assume responsibilities, such as participating in the school council, where they have made improvements to the swimming program by comparing costs and implementing a mobile pool during the summer term.
Cultural awareness is fostered through regular celebrations of diverse events, including Diwali, Christmas, and Yom Kippur, which help pupils appreciate and respect different beliefs and customs. The school also boasts a band and choir, with members expressing their enjoyment of practicing and performing together.
Reading is prioritized at Hunters Hall Primary School, with pupils having access to the school library and daily reading sessions led by staff. Early years children engage in action rhymes, enhancing their love for reading. The school emphasizes phonics from the start of Reception, ensuring that children learn to read fluently and without delay. Staff are well-trained in phonics instruction, and regular assessments help identify pupils who may need additional support in reading.
The curriculum is ambitious, aiming for all pupils to achieve well. In most subjects, it is well-structured, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge effectively. However, there are a few subjects where the sequencing of key knowledge and skills could be improved, leading to occasional gaps in learning. Additionally, some developing subjects lack effective systems to assess pupils' understanding and retention of material.
Staff possess the necessary subject knowledge to deliver the curriculum effectively, and in the early years, they help children remember important vocabulary. The school effectively identifies pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, collaborating with external professionals to provide targeted support. This ensures that all pupils, including those in the specially resourced provision, can access the curriculum and achieve well.
Pupils generally exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, influenced by high expectations from staff and well-established routines. Learning is uninterrupted by disruptive behavior, and pupils are taught essential social skills, including collaboration and emotional management. The school actively promotes good attendance and encourages pupils to value diversity and contribute to society through initiatives like Enterprise Week.
The school has established a caring environment for both pupils and staff, with a focus on well-being and workload management. Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe learning environment for all students. While the school has many strengths, it is essential to address the gaps in knowledge and skills in certain subjects by improving curriculum sequencing and assessment processes. Overall, Hunters Hall Primary School continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils.
