Herringham Primary Academy, located in Chadwell St Mary, Essex, underwent an inspection on May 18 and 19, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, where it was rated as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils at Herringham Primary Academy demonstrate a strong understanding of respect and equality, which is reinforced through the school’s ethos of ‘all different, all equal.’ This ethos is integrated into daily school life, fostering positive relationships among pupils and staff. The school environment is described as calm, warm, and friendly, conducive to learning. Pupils exhibit good behavior and high attendance rates, contributing to an uninterrupted learning experience. They are encouraged to take on responsibilities and develop independence, with a strong sense of safety and support available through mental health champions and the pupil leadership team.
The leadership team has high expectations for both pupils and staff, which has led to a culture of hard work and improvement in academic achievement. The curriculum has been effectively revised to ensure clear and ambitious expectations across all subjects. Teachers are well-informed about the curriculum requirements at each stage of learning, allowing pupils to begin new topics at appropriate times. The implementation of the curriculum is effective, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive the necessary support to learn independently.
The early reading curriculum is particularly well-structured, enabling young pupils to become proficient readers quickly. Leaders monitor pupil progress closely and provide additional support when needed, ensuring that all pupils are prepared for the next stage of their education. The reading materials are carefully selected to match pupils' phonetic knowledge, enhancing their confidence and enjoyment of reading. The school also emphasizes cultural diversity through a wide range of texts, helping pupils understand different cultures and perspectives.
In the early years, children adapt to learning routines swiftly, and the curriculum is continuously revised to provide opportunities for independent exploration and skill development. Pupils are engaged in their learning, actively participating in discussions and demonstrating their understanding of recent lessons. However, there are some historic gaps in learning in a few subjects that need to be addressed to ensure the curriculum meets all pupils' needs effectively.
Leaders prioritize personal development by organizing various visits and inviting speakers to broaden pupils' understanding of the world. The school encourages participation in competitions with other schools, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Staff members appreciate the training and support provided by leaders, which helps manage their workload and contributes to a positive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at Herringham Primary Academy are effective, with staff receiving regular training to identify and report concerns. Leaders actively pursue support for families in need and have established partnerships to enhance safeguarding efforts. The curriculum includes essential teachings on personal safety, including online safety.
While the school has made commendable progress, there are still areas for improvement. Leaders need to ensure that the curriculum is fully adapted to address the learning gaps in specific subjects and continue refining the early years curriculum to prepare children for future learning. Overall, Herringham Primary Academy is a school that demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
