Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Folkestone, St Peter’s Church of England Primary School on 26 June 2019, following its previous judgment of good in November 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, led by Mrs. Toni Browne, has effectively upheld the standards of education, fostering a dedicated and enthusiastic staff. Parents expressed high levels of satisfaction regarding the management of the school, noting that their children are treated as individuals and cared for well. A strong sense of community and family was evident throughout the school, with students feeling a sense of togetherness with both staff and peers.
During classroom visits, pupils were observed to be engaged and enjoying their learning experiences. They demonstrated enthusiasm when discussing their work, particularly in subjects like science and environmental studies. The inspection noted that pupils are making good progress across various subjects, including reading, writing, and mathematics. The school has successfully addressed previous concerns regarding the presentation of work and the rates of persistent absence among disadvantaged pupils, with improvements noted in both areas.
The leadership team has actively engaged in self-evaluation, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. They recognize the need to enhance writing progress by the end of key stage two and are working on refining the curriculum to better meet the needs of all pupils. Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong culture of safety and clear policies in place. Staff are well-trained and understand their responsibilities, contributing to a safe environment where pupils feel secure and free from bullying.
The school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports and community trips, which enrich the pupils' educational experience. The provision for disadvantaged pupils is a notable strength, with staff maintaining high expectations and monitoring their progress closely. Although the progress in writing is good, leaders are committed to further improvements to match the strong progress seen in reading and mathematics.
The inspection highlighted the ongoing work to develop the curriculum, emphasizing the need for clearer links between subjects to enhance pupils' understanding over time. Leaders are aware that creating opportunities for extended writing and integrating language development across the curriculum will positively impact writing skills. The next steps for the school include increasing writing progress to align with achievements in other subjects and ensuring that curriculum refinement continues to meet the diverse needs of all pupils.
Overall, the inspection findings reflect a school that is committed to providing a high-quality education, fostering a supportive environment, and continuously striving for improvement. The leadership team is focused on maintaining the strengths of the school while addressing areas for development, ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to succeed and thrive in their learning journey.
