High Firs Primary School in Swanley, Kent, has received a positive inspection report, reflecting its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on October 11 and 12, 2023, and the school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in February 2018. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum that engages pupils from early years onwards. Leaders have high expectations for pupil achievement and provide timely support to help all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, succeed academically. Pupils demonstrate respect and kindness towards one another, and behavior in lessons is calm and orderly, allowing for focused learning. The school has effective measures in place to address any incidents of bullying, contributing to a safe and happy environment for students.
Pupils participate in forest school activities, fostering a love and appreciation for nature. The school provides numerous extracurricular opportunities, including clubs and trips, which contribute to the development of well-rounded learners. The school has undergone significant improvements in recent years, with leaders transforming the curriculum to ensure it is ambitious for all pupils. The curriculum is designed to build knowledge progressively, which has positively impacted pupil achievement and preparedness for future educational stages.
Teachers generally check pupils' understanding effectively, although some staff in certain subjects need to improve their methods for helping pupils connect new learning with prior knowledge. This gap can lead to some new concepts not being securely retained in long-term memory. The school has recognized this area for refinement and is working to enhance it.
The teaching of reading is particularly effective, with early phonics instruction starting in Reception. All staff are trained in early reading, ensuring consistent delivery of phonics lessons. Support is provided for pupils who struggle with reading, helping them become confident and fluent readers. The school promotes a love of reading through access to diverse, high-quality texts and regular immersion in stories.
Pupils exhibit excellent behavior in lessons, attributed to established routines and clear expectations. They work diligently and maintain focus on their learning. Positive behavior is also evident during playtimes and transitions around the school. Personal development is prioritized, with a variety of extracurricular clubs and opportunities available to pupils, including leadership roles that enhance their engagement with the school community.
Governors are well-informed about the school and effectively fulfill their statutory duties. They utilize staff feedback to guide decision-making, ensuring improvements are made without overburdening staff. The well-being of staff is supported through changes to feedback and marking policies, contributing to a positive working environment.
The school's safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The inspection highlighted the need for some staff to improve their methods of checking pupils' long-term retention of learned content. The school is encouraged to ensure that all staff consistently assess pupils' understanding and help them integrate new knowledge into broader concepts. Subject leaders should maintain oversight of pupil learning within their areas to ensure continued progress. Overall, High Firs Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for all its pupils.
