Thameside Primary School, located in Grays, Essex, has recently undergone an inspection on the 8th and 9th of October 2024. The school has been rated as good across all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Joanna Bray, leads the school, which is part of the Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Paul Griffiths and chaired by Trisha Jaffe.
Pupils at Thameside Primary School enjoy their time at school, learning in a calm and supportive environment. The relationships among pupils and between pupils and staff are positive, fostering a sense of community. Pupils value their time during breaks, where they engage with friends and understand the importance of kindness, trustworthiness, and reliability. The school promotes high expectations for achievement, encouraging pupils to work hard and strive for their best. They are taught to respect differences and understand the significance of being respectful and safe.
Behaviour in the school is commendable, with pupils adhering to the established rules of being ready to learn, respectful to others, and acting safely. While bullying is acknowledged, pupils feel secure knowing that adults are available to help manage any issues. The school emphasizes the importance of good behaviour, and pupils take pride in the rewards they receive for their efforts.
The curriculum at Thameside Primary School is ambitious and well-structured, ensuring that all pupils, including those learning English as an additional language and those with special educational needs and disabilities, can access the learning. Staff are dedicated to teaching essential knowledge in a logical sequence, regularly checking pupils' understanding and reinforcing learning when necessary. However, there are instances where staff do not consistently address important misconceptions or provide the most effective activities for learning, which can hinder some pupils' progress.
The school has made significant strides in early reading, with children starting to learn as soon as they enter Nursery. They engage in listening activities, rhymes, and songs, which help develop their language skills. Staff provide regular checks to ensure that pupils remember what they have learned, offering additional support when needed. This approach fosters confidence in reading and writing among children.
Thameside Primary School also prioritizes personal development, offering a variety of sporting opportunities and encouraging pupils to participate in teams that excel in competitions. Pupils learn about different cultures and religions, developing mature attitudes towards responsibility and community involvement. The school works closely with families to ensure regular attendance and has a strong support system for pupils with special educational needs.
The leadership team effectively collaborates to set ambitious goals for the school, monitoring progress and providing resources to support staff well-being. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, ensuring that pupils' safety is a top priority.
While the school has many strengths, it must focus on consistently implementing all aspects of the curriculum to ensure that all pupils make the progress they are capable of achieving. Addressing misconceptions and providing appropriate learning activities will enhance the overall educational experience for pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement and maintaining a high standard of education for all its students.
