Epping Upland Church of England Primary School is recognized as a good school, as confirmed by its recent inspection on June 14 and 15, 2022. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where staff demonstrate a genuine care for the pupils, prioritizing their well-being and development. Pupils express enjoyment in attending school and appreciate the presence of Bracken, the school dog, which adds to the positive atmosphere. The leadership team is ambitious for the pupils, instilling values of trust, compassion, perseverance, and responsibility, which pupils understand and value.
The behavior of pupils is commendable; they are polite, courteous, and respectful towards one another. They actively support each other in both learning and play, and instances of bullying are reported to be rare. Parents overwhelmingly express satisfaction with the school, often describing it as kind and supportive, highlighting the individualized attention given to each child.
The curriculum at Epping Upland is broad and ambitious, effectively designed to outline what pupils will learn across various subjects from Reception to Year 6. Teachers implement lesson sequences that build knowledge incrementally, allowing pupils to retain information effectively. For instance, in history, pupils can recall significant events and figures, such as the Great Fire of London and Ancient Egypt. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in subjects like science and design technology, where the curriculum requires refinement to ensure that essential knowledge is clearly identified and systematically taught.
Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding and adapt lessons accordingly to facilitate progress. Nonetheless, in some foundation subjects, assessment systems need enhancement to better capture long-term retention of knowledge. The school excels in teaching reading, with daily phonics lessons starting in Reception. Teachers consistently apply the same methods, and regular training ensures that all staff are equipped to teach phonics effectively. Pupils are provided with appropriate reading materials that match their skill levels, fostering their development into confident and fluent readers.
Pupils exhibit good behavior during lessons and at break times, responding positively to any necessary corrections from staff. The leadership team maintains a robust approach to monitoring behavior, ensuring that staff have the information needed to provide tailored support. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive well-targeted support, allowing them to access the same curriculum as their peers.
The school offers a variety of enriching experiences that contribute to pupils' broader development, including clubs and educational trips that enhance the curriculum. Staff feel valued and supported, with leaders taking steps to manage workload effectively. The governing body has a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong emphasis on training and support for staff to ensure pupil safety. Leaders are proactive in their approach, maintaining thorough records and collaborating with external agencies to provide necessary assistance to families.
To further improve, the school should focus on refining assessment practices in foundation subjects to ensure a comprehensive understanding of pupils' knowledge retention. This will enable teachers and leaders to better gauge pupil achievement across all subjects, ensuring continued success and development for all students.
