Upton Cross Primary School, located in Plaistow, London, underwent its first inspection in February 2020, receiving an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has established a positive environment where pupils enjoy attending and feel safe and well cared for. Staff maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, leading to a respectful and conducive learning atmosphere. The school motto, Education with Pride, is embraced by the students, who report that lessons are engaging and enjoyable. Incidents of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, staff respond promptly to resolve the issues.
The curriculum at Upton Cross is broad, covering a wide range of subjects. Teachers encourage daily reading and provide various activities that support both academic learning and character development. While the school has made significant strides in education quality, leaders recognize the need for improved planning in certain subjects to enhance depth of learning. Pupils benefit from educational trips to museums and landmarks, reinforcing their learning experiences and connecting them to the community. The school is committed to providing high-quality care, particularly for those needing emotional support, and parents appreciate the dedication of the staff.
Leaders have successfully ensured that most subjects are ambitious and well-structured, resulting in good pupil achievement. However, there is a desire for pupils to engage with subjects more deeply. Personal, social, health, and economic education is highlighted as a strong area, with teachers effectively linking it to other subjects like history and art, making learning more relevant to students' lives. In subjects such as mathematics, reading, and modern foreign languages, lesson planning is effective, allowing pupils to build on prior knowledge and develop reasoning skills.
Despite the overall positive performance, there are areas for improvement. A small number of subjects are not achieving the expected outcomes, and teachers are actively working to enhance these areas. The leadership of some foundation subjects requires further development to ensure consistent planning and effective teaching. Physical education, in particular, has been identified as needing better planning to build on previously learned skills.
In the early years, children receive a strong start, becoming confident learners through well-planned activities tailored to their individual needs. Reading is prioritized from the outset, with additional support provided for those who struggle or are new to English. The school fosters a love for reading among pupils, who are encouraged to explore various texts.
Staff are well-trained to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that all students have access to the full range of opportunities available. The school promotes an understanding of different cultures and faiths, teaching pupils about democracy and healthy living. Visitors share insights about various careers, broadening pupils' horizons.
The school environment is characterized by hard-working pupils who respect their peers and teachers, leading to minimal disruption during lessons. Staff report high morale, supported by effective leadership that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The governing body has become more effective, providing both support and challenge to school leaders.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to recognize and address safety concerns. Pupils are educated about safety, particularly regarding internet use, and feel secure in reporting any issues. Overall, Upton Cross Primary School demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement, with leaders focused on enhancing the quality of education across all subjects.
