Herringham Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils know it is important to respect others. They understand the 'all different, all equal' ethos that they learn about in assemblies and through the books that they read.

Adults in school model these values which are woven into school life. As a result, pupils have kind and positive relationships with each other and adults. Pupils are helped and encouraged to treat others equally.

The school is a calm, warm and friendly place in which pupils can learn.

Pupils behave well and attend well. Pupils enjoy learning, and lessons take place without interruption.

They take on additional responsibilities and develop independence. Pupils say that bullying do...es sometimes happen, but they are confident that adults are effective in resolving issues that occur. Pupils feel safe in school.

Pupils can access a range of support from mental health champions and the pupil leadership team.

Herringham Primary Academy is a constantly improving school. Leaders at all levels have high expectations of pupils and what pupils can achieve.

Pupils try hard to live up to these expectations. They treat others well, work hard and improve their academic achievement over time.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

School and trust leaders have worked effectively since the previous inspection to improve the curriculum.

They have set out clear and ambitious expectations across the curriculum. Directors and local governors know the school well. They have kept their focus throughout the pandemic on improving the quality of education for pupils, so pupils can achieve as well as possible.

Teachers know what must be taught at each stage of pupils' learning journey, including in the early years. Pupils start new learning at the right time because leaders have thought about the order the curriculum should be taught.

Teachers help pupils to remember what they have learned.

Teachers often repeat new vocabulary to remind pupils of the key words they need to learn. Pupils are proud to be able to define words such as 'cacophony' and use them appropriately in their writing.

Teachers implement the curriculum well for all pupils.

They work together to ensure that all pupils access the same learning. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Adults support and make necessary adjustments so pupils with SEND can learn independently and well.

Leaders of SEND provision identify pupils' needs quickly. They ensure that pupils with SEND receive the precise support needed.

The early reading curriculum is well planned and taught.

Young pupils quickly become good readers. Leaders carefully check how pupils are progressing. Where pupils need additional support, it is offered quickly so that they can catch up.

Pupils are ready for the next stage of their learning in key stage 2. Pupils read regularly and fluently. The books they read match the sounds they know.

This supports their confidence and enjoyment of reading. Teachers read to pupils from a wide range of texts which also celebrate the different cultures in our world. This aids pupils' understanding of different people and cultures.

In the early years, children settle to learning quickly. They know and follow the routines well. Leaders continue to revise the curriculum design in the early years classes.

This is so children have even more opportunity to choose activities which help children to practise and develop their knowledge and skills further.

Pupils are interested in their learning. They listen to their teachers and each other and work well together.

Pupils stand up confidently in lessons to answer key questions. They speak with understanding, remembering their most recent learning. However, leaders have not ensured that where there are historic gaps in pupils' learning in a few subjects, the curriculum is as fully adapted to meet all pupils' needs.

Leaders prioritise pupils' personal development. They organise a range of visits and visitors to enhance pupils' understanding of the world and expose them to high-quality learning opportunities. Pupils also enjoy the many opportunities to take part in competitions with pupils from other schools in the trust.

Staff appreciate the investment leaders make in their training and the support leaders provide to ensure that workload is manageable. Staff are proud to work at the school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders and staff are suitably trained to safeguard pupils. Staff receive regular updates so that they can identify safeguarding concerns and report them quickly. Leaders are relentless in pursuing support for families in need.

They have developed a wide range of partnerships to help them with this.

Leaders have organised the curriculum, including the personal, social health and economic curriculum, to teach pupils how to keep themselves safe, including using online technologies

All necessary pre-employment checks for staff are carried out and recorded appropriately.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• Leaders have made changes and improvements to the curriculum design.

However, some pupils have gaps in their learning in a few subjects. Leaders need to ensure that the curriculum is adapted to meet the needs of all pupils in the few subjects that require it. In early years, leaders need to continue their work in designing the curriculum to prepare children for the subjects they will study in key stage 1.