Greenways Primary School, located in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, receiving a Good rating in various aspects of its educational provision. The school serves a diverse community, with pupils coming from a range of backgrounds and cultures. The leadership team demonstrates a strong understanding of their community and is committed to providing enriching learning experiences for all students. The curriculum is designed to cater to pupils of all abilities, ensuring that they can achieve their best in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The school’s values of respect, nurture, inspire, and aspire are integrated into teaching and learning practices. Pupils exhibit respect and politeness, expressing that they feel happy and well cared for at school. Parental support is evident, with many parents praising the effective communication between the school and home, as well as the opportunities to engage with their children's learning.
Pupils at Greenways are described as lively and spirited, generally displaying good behavior in lessons. While some interruptions may occur, teachers are adept at managing these situations. Pupils are aware of the needs of their peers and report that those who face challenges receive appropriate support to help them make positive choices.
The quality of education at Greenways is commendable, with leaders clearly articulating the school’s vision to staff and governors. The curriculum offers a variety of engaging experiences, both in the classroom and through extracurricular activities, which foster creativity, resilience, and social skills. Parents appreciate the extensive range of after-school clubs available, and pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive tailored support to help them succeed.
Teachers encourage pupils to become independent learners, with younger students taking responsibility for checking their work. Mathematics lessons are well-structured, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge and develop problem-solving skills. Reading is a strong focus, with pupils in Year 1 effectively using phonics to read confidently by the end of Year 2.
However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in writing. Pupils in key stage 1 struggle to apply their phonics knowledge in their writing, and in key stage 2, there is inconsistency in the application of grammar skills. Additionally, the presentation of work varies significantly among pupils, indicating a need for higher expectations regarding neatness and quality.
The teaching of French and music is particularly strong, with opportunities for pupils to participate in performances abroad. While pupils enjoy their topic work, the depth of understanding varies across year groups and subjects. Teachers need to better assess prior knowledge to enhance learning continuity.
In the early years, children are happy and safe, with parents praising the support provided to help them settle quickly. The early years curriculum is adapted to meet diverse needs, ensuring children develop essential skills for Year 1.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance in place. Leaders are proactive in addressing concerns and ensuring the safety of all pupils. Overall, while Greenways Primary School demonstrates many strengths, particularly in its inclusive environment and quality of education, there are clear areas identified for improvement, particularly in writing and the consistency of teaching practices across subjects.
