'Outstanding' Basildon school praised as pupils feel 'safe and valued'

PUPILS feel “safe and valued” at an “outstanding” Basildon school praised by Ofsted following an inspection.

The Phoenix Primary School, in Basildon, was visited by Ofsted inspectors last month who praised the school and found children were “friendly and kind”.

The school was rated as "outstanding" - the highest possible grade - in July 2019.

Following an ungraded inspection on April 17 and 18 inspectors commended the school for its curriculum but raised concerns over pupil absences.

The report stated: “Pupils are friendly and kind. Their positive attitude toward school ensures they typically achieve well.

“Pupils put this down to adults in school being caring and knowledgeable. This also ensures pupils feel safe and valued.

“Though the school is fine-tuning its curriculum, what is in place clearly sets out the concepts, words and skills pupils should learn. This gives staff the clarity to know what to teach and what to check pupils know.

“Leaders and staff now work positively together. The behaviour training and support leaders provide ensure staff have the confidence to oversee classrooms that are conducive to learning.

“The positive behaviour is rooted in respectful relationships. Pupils listen to staff because they recognise the efforts staff make to support them with their learning and behaviour.”

The school will receive a new grade at the next inspection and Ofsted warned that improvements need to be made in pupil attendance - particularly for disadvantaged pupils.

The report stated: “Too many disadvantaged pupils are persistently absent. As a result, pupils have gaps in their knowledge which hinder their achievement.

“The trust and school should review and revise their systems for identifying and addressing attendance concerns to rectify this issue.”

At the time of the inspection, there were 702 pupils at the school aged between three and 11.

A spokesman for The Phoenix Primary School said: “We are delighted to say that our final Ofsted report is now available.

“Congratulations to children and staff.”