Great Wakering Primary Academy, located in Essex, continues to be recognized as a good school following its inspection in October 2019. The school is committed to providing a challenging and engaging curriculum that captures the interest of its pupils. Students express enthusiasm for their learning, particularly in reading and mathematics, and demonstrate a strong work ethic in lessons. The school fosters a positive environment where kindness prevails, and instances of bullying are rare. Pupils respect each other's individuality, highlighting a culture of friendship and acceptance.
The school offers a variety of extra-curricular activities, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to participate. Leaders have thoughtfully scheduled these activities at different times to accommodate pupils who may struggle to stay after school. This inclusive approach extends to artistic productions, which have been adapted to involve all students. The positive attitudes of parents, carers, and staff towards the school are evident, with surveys indicating high levels of satisfaction regarding the school's caring and supportive nature.
Leaders at Great Wakering Primary Academy are ambitious for all pupils, focusing on essential literacy and numeracy skills. A consistent approach to teaching phonics has been established, ensuring that all staff are aligned in their methods across year groups. This strong foundation in phonics is complemented by a robust reading program that provides ample opportunities for pupils to develop their reading skills as they progress through the school.
Mathematics instruction is well-structured, with teachers employing consistent techniques to avoid confusion among pupils. Leaders ensure that teachers are aware of the curriculum requirements and timelines, while also allowing flexibility to adapt their plans based on pupil understanding. This approach has led to significant progress in pupils' mathematical understanding over time.
The curriculum at Great Wakering Primary Academy is broad, covering a wide range of subjects. However, there has been less emphasis on the planning and teaching of subjects outside of English and mathematics, resulting in pupils' knowledge in these areas not being as strong. Leaders are aware of this and are working to enhance the curriculum to ensure that pupils develop a deep and lasting understanding of all subjects.
The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, maintaining high expectations for all students. Leaders have established clear processes for identifying needs and providing appropriate support, which includes high-quality teaching and additional resources. The effectiveness of this support is regularly monitored, with adjustments made as necessary.
Behaviour at the school is a notable strength, with pupils demonstrating good conduct in lessons and during free time. They engage positively with their peers and make effective use of their learning time. The curriculum also promotes understanding of broader societal issues, including financial responsibility and community responsibilities, through various clubs and activities.
In the early years, children are engaged in a variety of activities that foster their learning and development. Routines are established quickly, allowing children to maximize their time in the classroom. The school prioritizes the well-being of its staff, who appreciate the support and organization provided by leaders. Overall, Great Wakering Primary Academy is a school that effectively meets the needs of its pupils while striving for continuous improvement in all areas of education.
