Orsett Church of England Primary School, located in Grays, Essex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 30 and December 1, 2021. The pupils express great enthusiasm for their school experience, taking pride in their learning across various subjects, including grammar, science, and art. The school fosters a safe and supportive community where kindness prevails, and instances of bullying are rare. Pupils report that staff effectively address any unkind behavior, contributing to a positive atmosphere.
In the classroom, behavior is purposeful, and students are motivated to learn. This is evident even in the early years, where children develop concentration and independence. The curriculum promotes understanding of diversity, with discussions about different family structures helping pupils to be more empathetic and kind. Personal development opportunities are abundant, although the pandemic has limited external trips. Nonetheless, local area visits have enriched classroom learning, and pupils appreciate leadership roles, such as those in the Pupil Parliament, which help them grow into confident individuals ready for secondary education.
The school leadership is ambitious, ensuring that all pupils receive a high-quality education, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff are well-trained to provide effective support, and collaboration among teachers and leaders results in well-structured plans for these pupils. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed, with leaders identifying essential knowledge for pupils to learn. This approach ensures that new content builds on prior learning, preparing students for their next educational stages.
However, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, such as geography, the curriculum lacks precision in certain aspects, particularly regarding subject-specific vocabulary. This can hinder the pace at which pupils build their knowledge. While teachers implement the curriculum effectively and possess strong subject knowledge, there are instances where they do not check learning thoroughly enough, which can lead to gaps in understanding.
Reading is a priority at Orsett, with a well-planned phonics program that supports early reading development. Staff are confident in teaching phonics, and pupils quickly learn to read fluently, including those with special educational needs. The love of reading is cultivated, with older pupils expressing delight in the variety of books available to them.
Parents have praised recent changes in the school, noting that staff are consulted and feel supported in their roles. Governors demonstrate confidence in their responsibilities, effectively supporting school leaders in curriculum development and monitoring progress. They have worked closely with the trust to facilitate the transition of the new headteacher and to enhance the school’s provisions.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety embedded within the school. Leaders and staff are well-trained to identify concerns, and safeguarding records are thorough. The curriculum also educates pupils on staying safe, particularly online.
For future improvement, leaders should ensure that curriculum plans are more specific in identifying what should be taught and when. Additionally, training for teachers on effective assessment practices will help them adapt lessons based on pupils' prior knowledge, ensuring a deeper understanding of the material. Overall, Orsett Church of England Primary School continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, with a strong foundation for future growth and development.
