Eastbrook School in Dagenham is celebrating after being judged as a ‘good’ school following its Ofsted inspection last month.

The all-through school was deemed to have improved significantly in all areas since its last inspection in 2018 when it was judged to require improvement.

During the two-day inspection, Ofsted inspectors visited lessons, spoke to staff and pupils, and looked at curriculum plans and safeguarding records. They also observed behaviour at lunchtimes and considered the responses from parents, staff and pupils to Ofsted’s surveys.

The report is full of praise for the leadership team, acknowledging that it ensures pupils are safe and happy, and promotes their personal development through a unique character and academics curriculum. Also noted is the team’s enduring commitment; the opening line of the report states: “Leaders are determined to continually improve this successful community school.”

“I am proud of our wonderful pupils, staff and governors who have all worked so hard to achieve this.”

Subject leaders are regarded to have put a broad and ambitious curriculum in place, showing careful consideration to ensure that pupils learn and remember important knowledge. And pupils with special educational needs and disabilities access the full curriculum with support from teachers who know and support their individual needs.

The inspectors recognised how teachers shared their expertise and resources and that their specialist knowledge meant that all pupils receive a good education. They praised the culture of high expectations embedded by staff.

Jill Baker, Interim Executive Headteacher, said: “I am thrilled with our latest Ofsted report, which recognises the great progress we have made over recent years.

“I am proud of our wonderful pupils, staff and governors who have all worked so hard to achieve this.”

Governors and representatives of the local authority work closely with leaders to improve pupils’ quality of education at all stages.

Eastbrook School’s latest report means that the proportion of ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ schools in Barking and Dagenham is now higher than the London average. Nine out of ten schools in the borough are graded ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement, said: “I am delighted to see the hard work of everyone at Eastbrook School recognised in this wonderful Ofsted report.

“Inspectors described the school as a calm place where all staff are focused on success, and aspiration and leaders ensure that pupils are safe and happy - a tremendous achievement when you consider the challenges the pandemic has presented.

“Huge congratulations to everyone at Eastbrook School.”