Benhurst Primary School, located in Elm Park, Hornchurch, Essex, has recently undergone an inspection on the 1st and 2nd 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, Alice Larkman, leads the school, which is part of the Life Education Trust, overseen by CEO Julian Dutnall and a board of trustees chaired by Louise Douglas.
The school is characterized by a caring and welcoming environment where pupils feel safe and valued. The diverse community fosters a sense of pride among students, who are encouraged to express their concerns to staff members, knowing that their issues will be addressed appropriately. High expectations are set for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school has demonstrated success in achieving high standards across all key stages, with pupils aware of the importance of hard work and focus in their learning. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they occur, staff take them seriously, ensuring a supportive atmosphere.
Behaviour in the school is generally good, with pupils displaying politeness and respect towards one another. The implementation of a new behaviour policy has been effective in rewarding positive behaviour, which pupils appreciate. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including after-school clubs such as karate and football, allowing pupils to broaden their experiences. Opportunities for involvement in school life, such as joining the pupil parliament or becoming a resolution role model, further enhance their engagement.
The curriculum at Benhurst Primary School is ambitious and designed to build pupils' knowledge throughout their educational journey. While some aspects of the curriculum are well-established, others require further development. Early reading is prioritized, with children introduced to stories, music, and rhymes from the start of their schooling. Staff provide additional support for pupils who struggle, ensuring they can catch up and develop their phonics skills effectively. The school promotes a love for reading through initiatives like a library managed by Year 6 pupils.
Pupils build knowledge progressively, with science lessons in early years focusing on plant growth, leading to more complex understanding in later years. Teachers generally deliver the curriculum effectively, demonstrating sound subject knowledge and revisiting prior learning to reinforce understanding. However, there are instances where the delivery of the curriculum is not as strong, and adaptations are not consistently made to cater to all pupils' needs.
The school promptly identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and ensures appropriate support is in place. This includes additional staff assistance and sensory activities. Beyond academics, the school provides various opportunities for wider development, including trips to museums and community engagement activities, such as singing in local care homes and fundraising for food banks. Pupils are educated on important issues, fostering discussions about equality and health.
While most pupils behave appropriately, there are occasional disruptions in learning due to calling out or lack of concentration. The new behaviour rules are not always applied consistently, though this is not a frequent issue. The school is actively addressing attendance concerns, collaborating with attendance officers and rewarding improvements.
Recent changes in the school have been met with mixed responses from staff, with some struggling to adapt while others appreciate the reduced workload and improved training. Governors are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities and challenge leaders to maintain high educational standards. Most parents and carers support the recent changes and recognize the quality of teaching and achievement at the school.
The safeguarding arrangements at Benhurst Primary School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. However, to improve further, the school needs to ensure that curriculum changes are fully embedded and delivered consistently. Staff should apply the behaviour policy uniformly to minimize low-level disruptions and foster positive attitudes towards learning. Continued support for staff development will be essential in achieving these goals and maintaining the school's good standing in the community.
