Ongar Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 26 September 2023

Pupils try hard to embody the school's three rights: the right to safety, the right to respect and the right to learn. Following these every day helps pupils to achieve well, both in and out of the classroom. The school works hard to keep pupils safe, tenaciously securing suitable support. Pupils benefit greatly from how the school grounds allow for 'risky' play. Pupils can build dens, climb trees or haul themselves onto large tyres. Unsurprisingly, pupils highlight outdoor learning and play as a strength at their school. Being respectful is seen in pupils' typically cheerful conduct. Because they are kind and tolerant, talking about how people and families differ does not faze them. Pupils themselves can identify how behaviour has improved in recent years. Class-based rewards incentivise pupils to behave well. Pupils appreciate how the school values their right to learn. The 'toolkits' provide step-by- step instructions which help pupils to succeed. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) benefit from kind, patient support, for example a listening ear to help talk through a problem so a pupil may then refocus on the task at hand.

What the school should improve

• Occasionally, the instructions pupils receive lack clarity. As a result, pupils may misunderstand what is expected of them regarding their conduct and/or learning. These misunderstandings are not put right quickly enough. The trust and the school should provide the training and support that ensures all pupils receive clear explanations that help them to learn new content efficiently and securely.

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