Holy Trinity and St John’s Church of England Primary School in Margate, Kent, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on March 28 and 29, 2023. The school provides a welcoming environment where pupils enjoy attending and engage in various activities that promote teamwork and personal development. The staff are dedicated to the welfare of the pupils, ensuring they feel safe and valued. Feedback from parents highlights the caring and encouraging nature of the staff, contributing to a positive school culture.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior both in class and during playtimes, showing respect for one another and for adults. The school has effective measures in place to address bullying, ensuring that any incidents are dealt with promptly. The high expectations set by the staff motivate pupils to strive for success, and the support provided for those with special educational needs and disabilities is commendable. The curriculum is ambitious, although there have been challenges in achieving strong outcomes in reading, writing, and mathematics for Year 6 pupils in 2022. Leaders have responded by refining the curriculum to enhance pupil achievement.
Teachers are committed to their pupils' success and adapt their teaching methods to meet diverse learning needs. They effectively use resources to aid understanding and check pupil knowledge in subjects like reading and mathematics. However, there are inconsistencies in how assessments are conducted across different subjects, which can lead to gaps in knowledge for some pupils. The school is actively working to address these issues.
Pupils develop a love for reading and apply their mathematical skills across various subjects. The early years program effectively teaches phonics, and older pupils are encouraged to read frequently, fostering enthusiasm for literature. The school promotes responsible citizenship, teaching pupils about democracy and the importance of community involvement. Pupils participate in clubs and engage with local services, enhancing their social and emotional development.
The leadership team has created a calm and purposeful learning environment, recently reviewing behavior support strategies to improve the school culture. Strong systems are in place to support pupils' emotional well-being, helping them manage their feelings and stay focused in lessons. The collaboration between leaders and governors is effective, with recent structural changes strengthening the leadership team. Staff engagement is prioritized, ensuring that workload is manageable.
Safeguarding arrangements are robust, with timely training for staff to identify and address risks to pupils. The school fosters a culture of safety, teaching pupils about online behavior and encouraging them to seek help from trusted adults when needed. While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that the curriculum is clearly sequenced and that teachers effectively assess pupil understanding across all subjects. Leaders are focused on addressing these challenges to enhance overall pupil achievement and learning experiences. The school is well-positioned to continue its positive trajectory, with a strong commitment to the development and well-being of its pupils.
