Chilham St Mary’s Church of England Primary School is recognized as a good school, providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for its pupils. The school fosters a strong sense of community, where students feel valued and supported. Parents express high levels of satisfaction, highlighting the family ethos that permeates the school culture. The Christian values of honesty, forgiveness, love, perseverance, trust, and respect are integral to the school's operations, guiding both staff and students in their interactions. Pupils report enjoying their time at school, forming strong friendships and feeling safe and secure in their surroundings.
The school offers a broad and ambitious curriculum, with leaders dedicated to ensuring that pupils receive the best possible learning experiences. The curriculum is designed to be relevant and meaningful, with a clear focus on the essential knowledge and skills that students need to acquire. In subjects like mathematics, the curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build their understanding progressively. However, there are areas, such as geography, history, and art, where recent curriculum changes have not yet been fully integrated into teaching practices. This has resulted in some pupils not achieving the depth of knowledge that they are capable of in these subjects.
Teachers at Chilham St Mary’s are effective in adapting the curriculum to meet the needs of their students, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. They assess what pupils know and identify areas where they may need additional support before introducing new concepts. The phonics program is well-organized, starting in the Reception Year, and children quickly learn new sounds while enjoying reading activities. Support for pupils who struggle with reading, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, is robust, enabling them to catch up effectively.
The school emphasizes the importance of reading across the curriculum, introducing pupils to a wide range of texts and enriching their vocabulary through daily reading sessions. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as being members of the school council or team captains, which helps them develop leadership skills and a sense of accountability. The school also provides various extracurricular activities and opportunities for pupils to engage with the wider community, despite some limitations due to the pandemic.
Staff members feel well-supported by the headteacher, who prioritizes their well-being and professional development. The positive working environment contributes to high morale among teachers, who are proud to be part of the school community. Parents overwhelmingly support the leadership and staff, recognizing their commitment to creating a safe and happy learning environment.
Safeguarding measures at the school are effective, with all staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. The well-being of pupils is a priority, and staff are vigilant in identifying any concerns. Pupils feel safe and secure, and parents share this sentiment.
To further enhance the quality of education, the school needs to continue embedding recent curriculum changes to ensure that all subjects are taught with the same depth and rigor. This will help pupils achieve their full potential across the curriculum. Overall, Chilham St Mary’s Church of England Primary School is a good school that provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, with a strong commitment to their academic and personal development.
