Fawkham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School continues to be recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on November 22, 2023. The school fosters a strong sense of community, often referred to as the ‘Fawkham family,’ where pupils feel valued and enjoy their learning experiences. The atmosphere is characterized by politeness, kindness, and respect among students, with warm and caring relationships evident between staff and pupils. High expectations are set for academic achievement and personal development, with parents expressing confidence in the staff's commitment to their children's happiness and progress.
Inclusivity is a key strength of the school, with effective support provided for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. These pupils are integrated into the same broad and ambitious curriculum as their peers, receiving additional help when necessary to ensure they can keep pace with their classmates. The positive attitudes of pupils towards learning are evident, as they take pride in their achievements and actively engage in classroom discussions, demonstrating their understanding through the use of vocabulary acquired in lessons.
The school maintains high standards for behavior, with staff modeling courteous conduct that is mirrored by pupils throughout the school day. This creates a conducive learning environment where students work and play together sensibly, knowing that staff are fair and consistent in addressing any issues that arise.
The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of all pupils, from early years through to Year 6. Staff have received training to ensure they are well-equipped to deliver the curriculum effectively. Most subjects have been adapted to be engaging and relevant, allowing pupils to develop a strong knowledge base and vocabulary. However, a few subjects are still in the early stages of development, leading to some gaps in pupils' knowledge and difficulties in recalling prior learning.
Teachers are attuned to the needs of their pupils, including those with SEND, and this understanding informs their planning. In mathematics, while pupils practice their skills daily, there is a need for more opportunities to engage in reasoning about numbers to enhance their problem-solving abilities. The school prioritizes reading from the outset, with phonics lessons helping children to quickly develop their reading skills, which in turn supports their access to the broader curriculum.
Pupils exhibit excellent behavior in class, contributing to an uninterrupted learning environment. Attendance and punctuality rates are commendable, with low levels of persistent absence. The school also emphasizes personal, social, health, and economic education, teaching pupils about mental and physical health and the importance of good citizenship through various activities, including community engagement with local elderly residents.
Staff morale is high, with teachers feeling valued and supported by school leaders. Ongoing professional development is provided to help staff plan effective learning experiences. The school is mindful of staff workload and well-being, fostering a positive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. Moving forward, the school aims to address the identified gaps in knowledge in certain foundation subjects and enhance opportunities for reasoning in mathematics. Continuous monitoring of these improvements will be essential to ensure that pupils can retain and apply their learning effectively over time. Overall, Fawkham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education in a supportive and inclusive environment.
