Senacre Wood Primary School, located in Maidstone, Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection in December 2019. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community where pupils feel valued and well cared for by the dedicated staff. Parents express appreciation for the commitment shown by the teachers, highlighting that their children feel respected and listened to. The positive atmosphere is evident in the behavior of the pupils, who demonstrate excellent conduct during lessons, playtime, and while moving around the school. They engage actively in lessons, showing curiosity and a desire to learn, which contributes to their personal development.
The leadership team, including the headteacher, is ambitious for all pupils to achieve their best. The school has established a robust framework for supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance. Mathematics instruction is a notable strength, with a well-structured curriculum that builds pupils' knowledge progressively. Teachers effectively communicate new concepts, enabling pupils to become proficient in mathematics.
Reading instruction has also seen improvements, with the school utilizing a newly redesigned library to foster a love for reading among pupils. Phonics teaching in the early years and key stage one is effective, and the books provided for home reading align closely with the phonics lessons. However, there is a need for clearer guidance for staff supporting pupils who struggle with reading to ensure they receive targeted help to catch up.
The curriculum has been carefully reviewed and sequenced to challenge pupils and promote deep thinking. Leaders have ensured that the curriculum is coherent, allowing pupils to make connections between different subjects. For instance, Year 6 pupils were able to engage in discussions about the compatibility of Darwinism with Christianity due to their prior knowledge. The impact of these curriculum changes is being closely monitored by the leadership team.
Personal development is a priority at Senacre Wood, with a wide range of extracurricular activities available to all pupils. Initiatives such as yoga lessons and outdoor learning have been well received, and pupils have opportunities to showcase their artistic talents in competitions. The early years provision is strong, with effective partnerships between home and school facilitating a smooth transition for young learners.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, and the behavior policy is implemented effectively to uphold these standards. Leaders are proactive in identifying pupils who may need additional support, ensuring that interventions are in place to help them improve.
The staff team is united in their commitment to the success of every pupil, and they feel supported by the leadership in their professional development. Governors are mindful of the impact of changes on staff workload, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to school management.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong emphasis on pupil welfare. Staff are well-trained to recognize and respond to concerns, and meticulous record-keeping ensures that information is shared appropriately to support pupils and their families. The curriculum includes opportunities for pupils to learn about safety, preparing them for increased independence as they transition to secondary school.
While the school has made significant strides, there are areas for improvement, particularly in refining the assessment of reading to better support pupils who are falling behind. Leaders are aware of these challenges and are actively working to enhance the quality of education provided. Overall, Senacre Wood Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective learning environment for its pupils.
