Larchwood Primary School, Brentwood, rated 'good' by Ofsted

Larchwood Primary School, in Pilgrims Hatch, got the second highest grade overall from the schools' watchdog - and one of the final single-word judgements before the introduction of report cards.

The Brentwood school, which caters for 421 pupils aged 4 to 11, was given a 'good' rating for its quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management after an inspection on July 2 and 3.

Meanwhile, its personal development and early years provision were both ranked as 'outstanding'.

READ MORE: Dame Tipping Primary School rated 'good' by Ofsted

Reception children "listen and concentrate exceptionally well" and "make a flying start", Ofsted inspectors said.

The school was given a 'good' Ofsted rating for three areas and an 'outstanding' for two (Image: Larchwood Primary School)

"This is because staff are experts at identifying and supporting their needs", the report published on September 9 added.

"Interactions between children are of an incredibly high quality.

"They are kind and happily take turns such as when choosing their favourite snack from the fruit bowl."

Headteacher Steve Bowsher said getting the report was a "nice way" to start the term ahead of "another exciting year at Larchwood".

Mr Bowsher said: "We are very proud of our school and our children and are glad that Ofsted has recognised all the wonderful things we do as a school.

“We are a highly effective school and this report has just confirmed that.

"Larchwood has been massively oversubscribed for years because families like what they see for themselves when they walk through our doors."

The school's headteacher said they are 'very proud' 

Ofsted also highlighted Larchwood Primary School's "high-quality" enrichment opportunities.

The school, which is part of Discovery Educational Trust, runs trips to museums and farms, as well as inviting a range of visitors to the school - such as other pupils from China - to "open pupils' eyes to the world around them".

This means that pupils "feel safe" sharing their views and opinions freely and "respect each other", for example when discussing different religious beliefs.

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According to the Ofsted report, the school's curriculum has been carefully "refined" over recent years.

Inspectors described that learning is set into a logical order and builds up so that pupils can apply their knowledge to increasingly complex learning. 

However, they added that occasionally staff expect pupils "to complete complex tasks before they have the prior knowledge they need".

The report said: "When this happens, pupils have misconceptions and do not understand important content as well as they could.

"Staff should ensure pupils secure the building blocks of knowledge they need before attempting to apply this knowledge to more complex work."

Overall though, Ofsted said pupils enjoy attending this "happy and welcoming", and are "well prepared" for their next stage of learning.