Poverest Primary School, located in St Mary Cray, Orpington, Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 27 and 28 February 2024. The school is characterized by a nurturing environment where pupils feel safe and supported. The staff, along with the school’s dog, Buddy, are dedicated to the well-being and development of the students. The school promotes values of respect and consideration for others, which is evident in the interactions among pupils, staff, and the local community. Initiatives such as writing letters for a new playground and fundraising for charities highlight the students' engagement and sense of responsibility.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, supported by its new values framework. Generally, pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons, remaining attentive and focused. From their first day, students are taught expected behaviors and routines, with additional support provided for those needing extra guidance. Parents have expressed appreciation for the teachers' attentiveness to students' needs, creating a secure and encouraging learning environment. Pupils also take on various responsibilities, such as peer mediators and attendance monitors, fostering a sense of community and accountability.
Poverest Primary School has made significant improvements to its curriculum, ensuring that it is organized and ambitious, catering for the needs of all pupils, including those in early years. Teachers have embraced the new subject curriculums, which have positively impacted their workload. The school has clearly defined the essential knowledge and skills that pupils are expected to learn and retain. While teachers possess the necessary subject knowledge and receive support from subject leaders, there are instances where pupils' recall of prior learning could be more secure. In some subjects, the checks on what pupils have retained over time are not consistently thorough, leading to gaps in knowledge.
The school is committed to inclusivity, treating all pupils with respect and ensuring that those with special educational needs and disabilities are integrated into all aspects of school life. Teaching and resources for these pupils are effectively adapted, allowing them to access the same curriculum as their peers. For pupils with more complex needs, the curriculum is being refined to clarify essential content.
Reading instruction is prioritized, with phonics taught early in Reception. Pupils have ample opportunities to practice their reading skills, and regular assessments help identify those who may need additional support. However, there are occasions when staff do not consistently apply the same strategies for teaching reading, which can hinder some pupils' progress in becoming fluent readers.
The school has also focused on improving attendance, identifying barriers and motivating pupils to attend regularly. Initial steps have shown positive results, with some pupils demonstrating improved attendance rates. Poverest Primary School promotes wider development through a diverse curriculum, teaching pupils about different faiths and encouraging participation in democratic processes. A variety of extracurricular opportunities are provided to nurture pupils' interests and talents.
The safeguarding arrangements at Poverest Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in the consistency of checks on pupils' knowledge retention and the approach to teaching reading. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that all teachers routinely assess what pupils know and remember, as well as to standardize the methods used to support reading development. Overall, Poverest Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
