Snaresbrook Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Outcome

There has been no change to this school's overall judgement of good as a result of this ungraded (section 8) inspection.

However, the evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might be outstanding if a graded (section 5) inspection were carried out now. The school's next inspection will be a graded inspection.

What is it like to attend this school?

Snaresbrook Primary is a 'kind' school.

This is encapsulated in the way adults and pupils treat each other. Pupils know that expectations are high for every aspect of school life. Pupils, including those with special needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are motivated by the exciting possibilities for learning and achieve...ment.

They have confidence in the staff who support them in reaching these aspirations.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. In lessons, they work productively both together and individually.

Pupils feel safe knowing they will be listened to if they have any concerns.

Pupils take advantage of the wide range of opportunities for their personal development. There is something for everyone in the many interesting and engaging clubs on offer, from crochet and chess, to dance and tennis.

Pupils enjoy the many trips that enrich classroom learning, such as to a real-life mini city, local Crown Court, a zoo, museums in the capital and a farm.

Parents and carers are extremely positive about the school. They appreciate the way their children are challenged, supported and encouraged by all the staff.

One parent summed up the views of many in saying, 'Snaresbrook is a wonderful school, caring, supportive and encouraging.'

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

The school has carefully devised a curriculum that is highly ambitious for all pupils and builds their knowledge effectively. Staff regularly revisit key concepts and ideas.

As a result, pupils remember facts and connect their learning over time. For example, Year 4 pupils learn about Anglo-Saxon punishments, and this is built upon effectively when older pupils recall and compare the range of punishments from different historical time periods they have studied. As a result, pupils achieve highly.

Subject leaders regularly check that the curriculum is engaging, meaningful and knowledge-rich for pupils. On occasion, foundation subjects require further work to ensure they meet the school's high expectations.It is evident that the school places a high priority on ensuring pupils gain the skills to read so they can quickly access the high-quality texts they have chosen.

Children start to learn to read as soon as they begin school. Well-trained staff make sure that pupils practise their reading using books that closely match the sounds they know. Teachers regularly check the letters and sounds that pupils know.

If pupils fall behind, they receive extra support to help them catch up quickly. Pupils are helped to become fluent readers by the end of Year 1.Teachers show they have strong subject knowledge and can teach the approach confidently.

Their explanations are clear. Appropriate support from highly skilled adults is in place for pupils with SEND. As a result, all pupils build on strong foundations.

This begins in the early years; for example, the progression of repeated pattern from Nursery and Reception, using coloured paint to represent pattern on a snake, to older pupils working on complex challenges using the Fibonacci sequence.The school works hard to improve attendance rates. There are robust strategies in place to support families so that their children attend school more regularly than in the past.

Attendance is currently in line with the national average.The school's personal development curriculum has been meticulously planned to ensure that pupils' knowledge and understanding deepen and build over their time at school. Pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe, including online.

Pupils contribute to the school community through a variety of leadership opportunities. These include the school council, playground buddies, gardening, library monitors, phonics monitors and energy monitors.The governing body understands the strengths and priorities of the school and carries out its role effectively.

It has a clear strategic vision and provides appropriate challenge and support. The school has developed extremely strong relationships with parents. Parents can access several workshops to help support their children at home, including reading, online safety and emotional coaching.

Staff love working at Snaresbrook. Staff turnover is low and morale is high.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Background

When we have judged a school to be good, we will then normally go into the school about once every four years to confirm that the school remains good. This is called an ungraded inspection, and it is carried out under section 8 of the Education Act 2005. We do not give graded judgements on an ungraded inspection.

However, if we find evidence that a school would now receive a higher or lower grade, then the next inspection will be a graded inspection, which is carried out under section 5 of the Act. Usually this is within one to two years of the date of the ungraded inspection. If we have serious concerns about safeguarding, behaviour or the quality of education, we will deem the ungraded inspection a graded inspection immediately.

This is the second ungraded inspection since we graded the school to be good in October 2018

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