Canterbury Road Primary School in Sittingbourne, Kent, has been inspected and continues to be recognized as a good school. The inspection took place on March 5 and 6, 2024. Pupils at the school are described as happy, confident, and polite, enjoying strong relationships with staff. Parents express a sense of community, often referring to the school as a family. The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, and early years children are making a positive start.
Pupils generally exhibit good behavior, particularly during lessons, and they understand the concept of bullying, knowing it is not tolerated. The school emphasizes respect among students, which is evident in their interactions. Pupils feel safe and secure within the school environment. The school offers a variety of trips and activities, ensuring all pupils can participate. Older students take on roles as positive role models, assisting younger pupils with reading and sports.
The curriculum at Canterbury Road Primary School is ambitious, well-structured, and sequenced effectively. Knowledge is revisited frequently, allowing pupils to learn well, including those facing disadvantages. Reception children develop essential skills and knowledge for their future education. Staff members have a solid understanding of the curriculum and collaborate effectively. They are also well-informed about the needs of pupils with SEND, providing effective support, especially for those with the greatest needs.
However, there are areas for improvement. At times, teachers do not check pupils' understanding thoroughly enough, which can hinder some students' progress through the curriculum. This includes some pupils with SEND who may not achieve their full potential. Reading is prioritized, with staff carefully selecting books for pupils. Early years children enjoy engaging with rhymes and songs, but there is variability in how reading is taught as pupils progress. The teaching of phonics lacks precision, and gaps in knowledge are not always addressed promptly. While additional support is effective, there is a need for all pupils to learn to read accurately and confidently as soon as possible.
In mathematics, pupils demonstrate strong capabilities, discussing problem-solving processes and using appropriate vocabulary. Most pupils attend school regularly, although a small number do not attend frequently enough. The school has implemented measures to support these pupils, resulting in improvements. The school promotes appropriate behavior, and routines are well established, including for Reception children.
Pupils benefit from a range of valuable experiences, including theater visits and local explorations, which are connected to their learning. The school offers various clubs, such as French and sports clubs, and older pupils take pride in their roles on the school council, expressing their views respectfully. Staff workload is considered, and they feel well-supported, with regular checks on their well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective. To improve, the school needs to ensure that phonics delivery is precise and that all teachers have the necessary knowledge to support effective reading instruction. Additionally, there should be a focus on ensuring that teachers consistently check pupils' understanding to address errors promptly and provide the necessary adaptations for learning. This inspection marks the first ungraded inspection since the school was last judged to be good in January 2019.
