Merritts Brook Primary E-ACT Academy underwent a short inspection on 29 January 2019, following its previous judgment of good in March 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team demonstrates a strong commitment to providing every pupil with a solid foundation for their education, encapsulated in their motto to believe, aspire, and exceed. The school offers a diverse range of experiences, including opportunities for pupils to learn musical instruments, fostering their development as confident learners.
The environment at Merritts Brook is welcoming and promotes learning, with strong relationships between pupils and staff. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as serving on the school council or acting as prefects, which prepares them for future educational stages. This academic year, the curriculum has been significantly revised to enhance pupils' subject knowledge, focusing on all areas of the national curriculum while supporting literacy and mathematical skills. Leaders are actively monitoring the impact of these changes on pupil outcomes.
Since the last inspection, the school has made notable progress in securing pupils' achievements, particularly in the early years, where children are making strong progress. Outcomes in the Year 1 phonics screening check exceed national averages, and a significant majority of pupils achieve expected standards by the end of key stage 1. While progress in key stage 2 is comparable to national averages, efforts are underway to improve reading outcomes, especially for the most able pupils.
To further enhance achievement, the school has implemented a set of non-negotiables that establish clear expectations for teaching practices, including the use of challenging questions and maintaining high standards of presentation. While many teachers apply these expectations effectively, consistency across the school remains a focus for improvement. Feedback from parents indicates a general satisfaction with their children's progress and behavior, although some concerns about communication were noted, which were not substantiated during the inspection.
Safeguarding practices at the school are robust, ensuring a safe environment for pupils. Staff receive regular training on safeguarding responsibilities, including the prevention of radicalization. The school collaborates with external agencies when necessary and maintains strong relationships with the local community to support pupils' welfare.
The inspection highlighted effective tracking of pupils' academic and personal well-being, allowing for timely interventions when needed. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support and make good progress. The pastoral team plays a crucial role in addressing potential issues early, contributing to a positive school environment.
Despite a slight decline in overall attendance since the last inspection, the school has implemented strategies to improve attendance rates, resulting in a positive trend. The introduction of a new reading approach aims to enhance pupils' reading fluency and engagement, although its impact is still being assessed. The school provides meaningful writing opportunities across various contexts, with regular monitoring to ensure high standards.
Moving forward, the school leadership is encouraged to ensure that teachers maintain consistently high expectations to maximize pupil progress and to embed effective curriculum and reading instruction practices across the school. The inspection findings reflect a commitment to continuous improvement and a focus on achieving the best outcomes for all pupils.
