Milwards Primary School and Nursery, located in Harlow, Essex, underwent an inspection on November 7 and 8, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, where it was rated as requiring improvement. The headteacher, Michael Doughty, leads the school, which is part of the Harlow Inspirational Learning Trust, overseen by CEO Mary Evans and chaired by William Cairns.
The school is well-integrated into the community, with staff knowing pupils and their families well, which helps new students settle quickly. Pupils report that making friends is easy, and they feel cared for by the adults in the school. The provision of daily bagels and other thoughtful gestures contributes to a supportive environment. Pupils exhibit good behavior, adhering to the school’s high expectations and demonstrating politeness and good manners throughout the day. The curriculum is designed to be accessible, allowing pupils to stay focused and engaged in their lessons.
Milwards Primary School offers a broad range of learning opportunities, including mental health sessions and practical experiences like caring for rescue chickens. Pupils feel prepared for future challenges and are knowledgeable about online safety. They take pride in sharing their achievements during weekly assemblies, where they can be recognized for their hard work.
The school has implemented an ambitious curriculum that breaks down learning into manageable steps, ensuring that pupils acquire essential knowledge. The focus on subject-specific vocabulary enables pupils to articulate complex ideas clearly. Ongoing training for teachers ensures they are well-equipped to deliver the curriculum effectively, and they actively check for understanding, addressing any gaps in knowledge promptly. This approach has led to positive outcomes for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Since the last inspection, the emphasis on reading has increased significantly. The school promotes a love of reading through various initiatives, such as a parent-child reading café and a virtual library. Pupils enjoy borrowing books and discussing their reading experiences. Early years provision has also improved, with engaging resources that foster curiosity and learning. Transition arrangements help children settle into school life, ensuring they are ready for Year 1.
Attendance is generally good, supported by various initiatives, including a morning running club. Pupils are polite and show genuine interest in each other’s ideas. The school has clear behavior expectations, although there are instances where the behavior policy is not consistently applied, leading to some unaddressed poor behavior in certain lessons.
The introduction of a new personal, social, health, and economic curriculum has already shown benefits, teaching pupils about healthy lifestyles and safety. The school provides strong pastoral care, ensuring pupils are ready for learning. Participation in sports competitions and a variety of clubs enriches the pupils' experience.
Trustees and governors are aware of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, providing both challenge and support to the leadership team. Staff report feeling supported and valued in their roles. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To further improve, the school needs to ensure that all pupils receive books that match their reading levels to support their development as readers. Additionally, consistent application of the behavior policy across all staff is necessary to maintain high standards of behavior throughout the school.
