St George's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, located in Wrotham, Kent, was inspected on December 13 and 14, 2022. The school has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This inspection marked the first routine evaluation since the school was last inspected 14 years ago, when it received an outstanding rating.
Pupils express pride in attending this welcoming school, appreciating the diverse range of clubs and activities available. They enjoy opportunities to engage in various sports and are excited about the return of sporting fixtures and trips following the COVID-19 pandemic. Activities such as the Young Voices choir performance and participation in a journalism club highlight the school's commitment to providing enriching experiences. The well-established forest school program is particularly popular, allowing pupils to develop practical skills and connect with nature.
The school environment is calm and orderly, with high expectations set by staff for both achievement and behaviour. Pupils feel safe and enjoy their learning experiences. The school prioritizes pupils' well-being, recently earning an award for promoting resilience. The Christian values of the school foster a culture of trust and respect among pupils and staff, contributing to a supportive atmosphere where kindness is the norm.
In terms of educational quality, leaders have focused on developing a well-structured curriculum since the pandemic. They have clearly outlined essential knowledge and vocabulary for each year group, which has positively impacted pupils' retention and understanding of what they learn. Teachers effectively support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities by breaking down the curriculum into manageable steps.
Professional development for teachers is a priority, with training provided to enhance their subject expertise. This has led to improved teaching practices and more effective lesson planning. While most subjects see regular checks on pupils' learning, some areas require further attention to ensure understanding is consistently assessed.
Pupils generally build their knowledge well, particularly in mathematics, where they demonstrate strong reasoning and problem-solving skills. However, challenges remain in grasping more complex concepts due to inconsistent use of mathematical resources. Reading is a key focus, with a new early reading program introduced. Staff are well-trained to teach reading, and pupils in early years receive ample opportunities to practice their skills. However, the inconsistency in reading materials used by teachers may hinder some pupils' development of a love for reading.
Attendance remains a concern, with some pupils not attending regularly enough despite efforts to improve this issue. Relationships between pupils and staff are positive, fostering a respectful and caring environment. Most pupils are engaged in their learning, and those with special educational needs receive appropriate support.
Governors are actively involved in the school, understanding its strengths and weaknesses while supporting the headteacher effectively. Staff feel valued and motivated, and parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, ensuring a strong culture of safety and well-being for all pupils.
To improve, the school should focus on ensuring that teachers select high-quality texts for reading, enhance the consistent use of mathematical resources, and continue to implement effective strategies to improve attendance. Overall, St George's Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
