North Crescent Primary School, located in Wickford, Essex, has undergone a significant transformation since its previous inspection, moving from a grade of Requires Improvement to an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The inspection, conducted on April 17 and 18, 2024, highlighted several strengths within the school, particularly in the areas of personal development and early years provision, both of which received an Outstanding rating. The headteacher, Sharon Walker, leads the school, which is part of the Schools for Every Child Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Lee Faris and chair Paula Whittle.
Pupils at North Crescent Primary School exhibit happiness and a sense of safety, contributing positively to their community through various initiatives, such as visiting care homes and supporting local charities. The school promotes values of being ethical, altruistic, and pioneering, fostering an environment where students celebrate diverse cultures and learn about different lifestyles, including those of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities. The curriculum is ambitious, with a strong emphasis on vocabulary development across subjects, leading to commendable achievements by the end of Year 6.
The school encourages a supportive atmosphere where older pupils take care of younger ones, ensuring they receive help during playtimes. The implementation of 'worry monsters' allows students to express concerns, which are addressed promptly. Outdoor learning is a key feature, with activities like cooking on campfires and building woodland shelters, enhancing pupils' confidence and teamwork skills. The school emphasizes mutual respect and community support, integrating these values into discussions during assemblies and weekly news reflections.
North Crescent Primary School has made notable improvements in curriculum delivery, particularly in reading instruction. The phonics curriculum is well-structured, enabling pupils to learn letter sounds effectively. Staff are proactive in identifying students who may be falling behind and provide additional support to help them catch up. As a result, pupils develop confidence in their reading abilities, with older students expressing a passion for reading and engaging with a variety of high-quality texts.
The curriculum is well-sequenced, starting from the early years, where children develop strong language and communication skills. Staff engage children through thoughtful questioning and conversations, fostering high levels of engagement and positive attitudes. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all pupils fully understand the lessons being taught. Inconsistent assessment practices in some subjects can lead to misconceptions not being addressed promptly, impacting overall achievement.
The school sets high expectations for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, adapting lessons to meet their needs effectively. This approach helps these pupils feel included and supported in their learning environment. Pupils demonstrate politeness and confidence, contributing to a positive school culture where disruption is rare, and motivation is high.
Despite efforts to promote good attendance, a concerning number of pupils miss significant school time, which affects their learning and access to personal development opportunities. The school is committed to enhancing parental understanding of the importance of regular attendance.
Overall, North Crescent Primary School has made commendable strides in improving educational quality and fostering a supportive community. The leadership team is dedicated to addressing existing challenges, particularly in assessment practices and attendance, to ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential. The school’s commitment to personal development and community engagement is evident, creating a nurturing environment for all students.
