Old Palace Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 January 2023

This inclusive school celebrates difference and promotes diversity. Pupils value the school's ethos. As one pupil typically commented, 'Learning about others makes us a tolerant society.' Pupils are kept safe. If they have any worries, they can share these in the 'talktime box'. Staff listen to and support pupils well. They manage any concerns effectively, including those related to bullying. If any bullying does occur, it is dealt with quickly. Adults have high expectations of pupils. They apply the behaviour policy consistently. The school is purposeful and calm. Pupils are polite, respectful and considerate of the needs of others. In class, adults foster a positive environment in which pupils are very keen to learn. Older pupils model good behaviour for younger pupils. Behaviour throughout the school is exemplary. The ambitious curriculum enables pupils to achieve well. Leaders provide pupils with a wide variety of enrichment opportunities which bring learning to life. For example, pupils visit museums, galleries, places of worship and West End theatres. Following a visit to the church, pupils spoke knowledgeably about the concept of 'Jesus being the bread of life'. In Years 3, 4 and 5, pupils relish residential visits to different locations within the Essex countryside.

What the school should improve

• Occasionally, in key stage 1 and in Year 3, staff subject knowledge of the school's phonics programme is not strong. Weaker readers do not routinely have books matched to the sounds they know and are moved on to new books before they are ready. As a result, a few pupils struggle to read with confidence, accuracy and fluency. Leaders should ensure that all staff have the subject knowledge to enable them to teach phonics effectively, and provide pupils with reading books that correspond closely to pupils' phonic stage.

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