West Thurrock Academy

Overview

West Thurrock Academy is a primary school where pupils feel they are part of “one big family” and are “happy” because their beliefs are valued. The report describes a well-led institution with a “broad curriculum” that ensures pupils achieve highly in core subjects through expert teaching and assessment.

Strengths

• Teachers possess “strong subject knowledge” and present information clearly, helping pupils “connect, secure and retain knowledge.”
• Assessment is used “expertly” to identify misconceptions or provide challenge, ensuring pupils receive the “right support.”
• The needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are “accurately identified and supported,” enabling them to “achieve well.”
• Leaders maintain a “sharp focus on children learning phonics,” resulting in pupils becoming “confident, fluent readers” by the time they leave.
• Pupils generally behave in a “calm and sensible way” and feel safe, knowing they have an adult to turn to if they have a worry.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure pupils learn “in depth” across all areas of the curriculum, as a small minority of subjects are currently taught with “limited depth.”
• Leaders should broaden provision to offer a “wider range of opportunities” for pupils to explore interests and talents beyond the academic curriculum.
• Leaders need to “communicate effectively with all parents” and address concerns raised during a period of leadership transition.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with leaders establishing a culture where safeguarding is “everyone’s responsibility” and pupils at risk of harm are “identified effectively.”