East Herrington Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 October 2022

Pupils at East Herrington Primary Academy are respectful and eager to achieve well. They have positive attitudes to learning and concentrate well in lessons. Teachers use regular opportunities for singing to help motivate and engage pupils in their learning. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well. Leaders have established clear routines and expectations for behaviour. These help to create a calm and orderly school environment. Adults provide additional support for pupils who may struggle to manage their behaviour. This means that pupils' learning is not disrupted. Pupils feel safe and enjoy learning and playing together. They understand what bullying is and know that healthy relationships are based on respect and kindness. Pupils say that 'teachers help everyone live together'. Teachers ensure that pupils learn to pass concerns on to a trusted adult when they are worried. Pupils know that adults will act quickly to deal with any problems, including any incidents of bullying. Pupils enjoy attending a range of after-school clubs, including karate, swimming and football. Many pupils learn to play musical instruments such as the guitar, piano and harp. The sewing club and science, technology, engineering and mathematics club help pupils to develop additional talents. Leaders provide pupils with exciting experiences, such as travelling to London to take part in the finals of a national choir competition.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have recently revised the system for checking how well pupils have remembered mathematical knowledge and skills. However, leaders have not checked the effectiveness of these new systems. Leaders must now check that new assessment system helps teachers to develop a better understanding of what pupils are learning in mathematics.
• The proportion of pupils who are persistently absent from school is too high. These pupils are missing out on important aspects of their learning. Leaders, including those from the trust, must continue to work together with parents and carers to ensure pupils attend school regularly.
• Some aspects of the personal development curriculum lack detail. In particular, the opportunities teachers provide for pupils to develop an understanding of other faiths and cultures. Consequently, some pupils do not know enough about the values of modern Britain. Leaders must ensure that pupils learn about the beliefs of the diverse faiths and cultures in the local and wider community.

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