Stowting Church of England Primary School, located in Ashford, Kent, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, receiving a Good rating in its recent inspection. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, often described by parents, staff, and pupils as a big family. Pupils demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for learning, largely due to the supportive environment fostered by the staff. The school promotes high expectations, encouraging pupils to engage with challenging work that stimulates critical thinking.
A diverse range of extracurricular activities is available, with many pupils participating in after-school clubs that include cooking, cross-country running, and football. The school values pupil input, as evidenced by a successful campaign led by students to install sensors on lights to conserve energy. Behaviour in the school is exemplary, with pupils displaying positive attitudes towards learning and feeling safe and supported. There is a consensus among the school community that bullying is not an issue.
The headteacher, who has been in position since September 2018, has made significant improvements to the school, resulting in enhanced pupil achievement across all year groups. The curriculum has been broadened, and staff have worked to ensure that subjects are well-integrated. In core subjects like English, mathematics, and science, pupils produce high-quality work. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in subjects such as French and history, where the curriculum planning is less precise, affecting the depth of learning.
Reading is a strong focus at Stowting, with phonics instruction beginning in the early years. This early intervention prepares children well for key stage one, where they start to write and read effectively. Additional support is provided for pupils who struggle with reading, ensuring they can catch up with their peers. The school promotes a love of reading across all year groups, with reading materials tailored to individual abilities.
Teachers are dedicated to creating engaging lessons and assessing pupil progress effectively, which helps identify those who need extra support. For instance, in science, pupils in Years 3 and 4 engaged in hands-on experiments to explore the properties of liquids, demonstrating their understanding through scientific vocabulary. Staff training has been prioritized, leading to improved teaching practices and a better understanding of pedagogical content knowledge.
Pupils' well-being is a priority, with staff promoting healthy eating and teaching British values, including democracy. Older pupils learn about financial management and budgeting, although social aspects of personal, social, health, and economic education require further development. Plans are in place to enhance these areas.
In the early years, children receive a solid foundation, with phonics teaching integrated into daily activities. They actively participate in school life and learn essential social skills. However, the outdoor learning area needs refurbishment to better stimulate children's engagement with outdoor activities.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well-supported, with staff adapting their teaching to meet individual needs. Parents express strong support for the headteacher's initiatives and appreciate the detailed information provided about their children's progress. The school is well-led and managed, with parents feeling confident in the support their children receive.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a strong culture of safety embedded within the school. Staff are well-trained to ensure pupils understand how to stay safe, particularly online. Overall, Stowting Church of England Primary School is a nurturing environment that prioritizes pupil achievement and well-being while continuously seeking areas for improvement.
