Messing Primary School, located in Colchester, Essex, has undergone an ungraded inspection on 27 March 2024, maintaining its overall judgement of good. The headteacher, Charlotte Brown, leads the school, which is part of the New Hall Multi Academy Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Katherine Jeffrey and a board of trustees chaired by Paul Tiffen. The inspection highlighted the warm and welcoming environment of the school, characterized by strong relationships between pupils and staff. Pupils feel well-supported and know they can seek help when needed. The school has high expectations for pupil behavior, with staff modeling appropriate conduct, resulting in polite and respectful interactions among students.
Recent curriculum changes aim to enhance the quality of education, although some subjects have not fully established these changes. Consequently, pupils may not always receive the teaching necessary to achieve the curriculum's ambitions. Personal development is a strong focus, with the school’s motto of every child, every chance, every day reflecting its commitment to providing diverse opportunities. Pupils participate in various clubs and community experiences, such as visits to local orchards and farms, which enrich their learning.
The curriculum is designed to build knowledge incrementally from early years to Year 6, with leaders striving to make it more ambitious. However, many changes are still in the early stages of implementation. Staff possess strong subject knowledge and receive regular training, but recent curriculum changes have left some teachers less skilled in selecting effective teaching strategies. This inconsistency can hinder pupils from building on prior knowledge, and assessment strategies in certain subjects are still developing, leading to gaps in understanding.
Reading is prioritized from the moment children enter the Reception class, with significant investments made to improve reading resources and environments. The introduction of a new phonics teaching program has been met with mixed results, as staff do not consistently implement it effectively. Some pupils struggle to develop confidence in reading due to insufficient practice with phonics.
The school effectively identifies the needs of pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers receive the necessary training to support these pupils, adapting their teaching to ensure all students can access the curriculum. Behavior throughout the school is calm and respectful, with pupils eager to learn and supportive of one another. The school fosters an understanding of diversity, encouraging pupils to celebrate differences.
Pupils are provided with opportunities to contribute positively to the school community through leadership roles and projects, such as creating an ancient Egyptian museum. School leaders are committed to continuous improvement, with recent changes aimed at enhancing the educational experience for pupils. The local governing body has been strengthened, and staff feel valued and supported in their professional development.
The safeguarding arrangements at Messing Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the inspection identified areas for improvement, particularly regarding the implementation of recent curriculum changes and the consistency of phonics instruction. The school must ensure that all staff are equipped to teach the intended curriculum effectively and that early readers receive the guidance they need to develop their phonics skills. Overall, while the school demonstrates many strengths, ongoing efforts are necessary to address the identified areas for improvement and to maintain its good standing in future inspections.
