Guston Church of England Primary School, located in Dover, Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 20 and 21 October 2021. The school fosters a strong sense of community, with pupils understanding and embodying values such as equality, compassion, endurance, forgiveness, and friendship. The diverse community is celebrated, and even students from military families, who may frequently relocate, feel included and valued. Parents and carers appreciate the community atmosphere that the school promotes.
Pupils are taught essential safety skills, including online safety and practical safety tips through engaging activities like outdoor learning sessions. The learning environment is enjoyable, characterized by positive relationships among staff and students. While laughter is common, pupils are aware of the high expectations regarding their behavior and academic performance. They exhibit excellent behavior in lessons and throughout the school, demonstrating politeness and respect. The school actively teaches that bullying is unacceptable, with students proudly identifying Guston as an anti-bullying school.
The school has developed an ambitious curriculum that effectively utilizes the local area, with regular visits to nearby landmarks such as the castle. This approach aims to deepen pupils' understanding of their community. The curriculum plans, particularly in English and mathematics, are well-structured, allowing for progressive knowledge building. Teachers frequently assess pupils' progress and adapt their plans to meet individual needs, resulting in good progress and increased confidence among students.
While the curriculum is broad and balanced, there are occasional inconsistencies in the implementation of foundation subjects compared to English and mathematics. This can lead to challenges in retaining detailed knowledge and building on prior learning, which may limit the depth of understanding in some areas. Nonetheless, the school prioritizes reading, with a strong emphasis on phonics from the Reception Year. Pupils have access to a well-stocked library, and their reading selections are tailored to their needs through regular assessments. The phonics teaching is effective, ensuring that pupils develop strong reading skills early on, with additional support provided for those who may fall behind.
Pupils show a keen enthusiasm for learning, particularly in mathematics, where they engage in hands-on activities that foster a love for the subject. The school effectively manages low-level disruptions, ensuring a conducive learning environment. Pupils are encouraged to participate in the wider school community, taking on roles such as librarians or school council members, which enhances their sense of belonging and responsibility. The school celebrates its diverse cultural mix, promoting curiosity and understanding of various festivals and religions.
The governing body plays an active role in supporting school leaders, and systems are in place to consider teacher workload in areas such as assessment. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with careful record-keeping and collaboration with external agencies to ensure pupil safety. Staff, parents, and pupils express confidence in the school's safety measures, and pupils learn how to stay safe both in and out of school.
To further improve, the school should focus on enhancing the implementation of the curriculum in foundation subjects, ensuring that lesson sequences build on prior knowledge and deepen understanding. Overall, Guston Church of England Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
