Churchgate Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, Harlow

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 22 May 2024

Pupils enjoy learning and are safe at Churchgate. Adults and pupils make sure that everyone feels welcome, respected and valued. Pupils are confident that the adults will listen to their concerns and look after them well. The school has high expectations of pupils' learning and behaviour. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), rise to these expectations. Pupils diligently follow the school rules of 'be respectful, be ready, be safe'. Pupils have a well-developed understanding of bullying in all its forms. They insist it does not happen here. Pupils know that adults will sort out any friendship issues that might arise. Pupils are taught to treat others as they would like to be treated themselves. Pupils value the positions of responsibility they hold. For example, pupils are voted onto the school council and the worship team. As a result, they have a solid understanding of democracy. These roles help pupils to develop confidence and leadership skills. Pupils relish the opportunity to develop their talents and interests through a range of clubs, such as choir and gardening. They would like even more of these.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, assessment systems are still relatively new and are not yet embedded within everyday practice. They do not help teachers understand which knowledge and skills pupils have not understood. As a result, gaps in pupils' learning are not addressed and pupils do not build their knowledge as successfully as they should. The school should ensure that it refines its assessment systems so that it provides greater clarity for teachers, enabling pupils to remember more of what has been taught.
• Pupils do not get enough opportunities to develop and practise their writing skills across the curriculum. As a result, pupils' writing can lack depth and the quality of pupils' writing is variable. The school should ensure that pupils have opportunities to develop and practise their writing skills so that their writing is of a consistently high quality across the curriculum.
• Too many pupils are too frequently absent from school. As a result, they miss important learning and opportunities for personal development. The school should continue to strengthen its strategies to improve attendance so that all pupils benefit fully from the education and experiences that the school provides.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)