High Ongar Primary School, located in Essex, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on January 17 and 18, 2023, and evaluated various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as good. The school has not been previously inspected under the current framework, making this evaluation particularly significant.
Pupils at High Ongar Primary School thrive in an environment where their well-being is prioritized. The staff is dedicated to understanding and addressing the individual needs of each pupil, fostering a respectful and collaborative atmosphere conducive to learning. The educational experience is enriched by a variety of opportunities that motivate pupils, including sports, music, debating, and community involvement. Pupils express enthusiasm for participating in residential trips, earning awards, and engaging in competitions, which contribute to their overall enjoyment of school life. The school promotes a culture of respect and safety, with pupils demonstrating strong friendships and a clear understanding of bullying, which they report as infrequent.
The leadership team has made significant strides in updating the curriculum to ensure it is broad and ambitious, allowing for logical progression in pupils' knowledge over time. Staff training is effectively provided to support the delivery of the curriculum, and regular assessments help identify the knowledge gained by pupils. However, some foundation subjects have not yet been fully covered, which affects pupils' ability to recall prior knowledge necessary for linking to new learning. This is an area identified for improvement.
Reading is a key focus from the early years, with a systematic approach to phonics that helps pupils develop fluency. The school provides high-quality texts and comprehension activities, ensuring that all pupils, including those needing additional support, can catch up quickly. The early years provision is also commendable, with children benefiting from engaging learning experiences that prepare them well for future education.
Throughout the school, pupils are engaged and attentive during lessons, supported by adults who help those with special educational needs stay focused. This creates a calm and orderly learning environment. The school places a strong emphasis on pastoral support, promoting mental health and well-being among pupils. They are taught essential life skills, including managing worries and understanding healthy living. The curriculum also fosters awareness of different faiths and beliefs, encouraging respect for diversity and understanding of British values through democratic processes and discussions on current events.
Staff at High Ongar Primary School feel valued and supported by leadership, which takes their workload into consideration. The governing body is actively involved, providing appropriate challenge and support to the leadership team. The school benefits from the backing of a multi-academy trust that aids in training and curriculum development.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with pupils receiving regular instruction on safety, including online safety and risk management. They feel comfortable approaching trusted adults with concerns, and staff are trained to respond appropriately to any issues that arise.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school needs to ensure that all teachers are aware of the gaps in prior knowledge when starting new topics and to clarify the knowledge required for understanding wider concepts in the curriculum. By addressing these areas, High Ongar Primary School can continue to build on its strengths and provide an excellent educational experience for its pupils.
