Leigh Beck Junior School, located in Canvey Island, Essex, has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection on January 12 and 13, 2022. The school has made significant improvements since joining the Lion Academy Trust in 2017, benefiting from substantial investment in staffing and resources. This has enabled the school to provide a high-quality educational experience for its pupils. The curriculum is ambitious and designed to prepare students effectively for their next educational stages.
Pupils express that their school is a safe and enjoyable environment. They appreciate the various community events organized by the school, such as the winter wonderland event, and the numerous clubs available. The school promotes values encapsulated in the ‘Leigh Beck Five Ways,’ fostering kindness and respect among students. Pupils feel comfortable expressing their views and resolving conflicts amicably, with bullying being reported as rare.
The school has implemented a strong reading curriculum that encourages a love for reading. Leaders have carefully selected books to broaden pupils' horizons, and many students read daily, aligning with the school's expectations. Younger pupils are motivated to access a wide range of books, and staff provide effective support for those learning to read, ensuring they practice with appropriately leveled texts.
The curriculum is structured to help pupils build knowledge progressively across subjects. In mathematics, for instance, students successfully apply prior knowledge to tackle increasingly complex problems. Leaders prioritize professional development for teachers, enabling them to deliver the curriculum effectively. Collaborative opportunities for teachers to share best practices contribute to ongoing improvements in teaching quality.
Pupils demonstrate confidence in articulating their learning, particularly in subjects like science, where they use appropriate vocabulary and show a deep understanding of concepts. However, there are still some subjects where teachers are developing their subject expertise, which can affect the depth of learning for pupils. Leaders are actively working to address this by refining training and support for teachers.
The school is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive timely support and access to the same curriculum as their peers. Individual support plans are regularly reviewed, and teachers adapt their approaches to meet the changing needs of these pupils effectively.
Behaviour at the school is commendable, with a strong emphasis on personal, social, and health education. Pupils value these lessons, which teach them about societal values and cultural diversity.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to recognize signs of distress in pupils. Leaders maintain effective communication with external agencies to protect vulnerable students, and the governing body ensures that safeguarding procedures are consistently upheld.
Overall, Leigh Beck Junior School has established a positive learning environment characterized by high expectations and a commitment to continuous improvement. While the school excels in many areas, ongoing efforts to enhance subject knowledge among teachers will further strengthen the educational experience for all pupils.
