St Saviour’s Church of England Junior School in Westgate on Sea, Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 17 and 18 October 2023. The school provides a welcoming environment where pupils feel happy and safe. They exhibit excellent behavior and understand that staff will address any issues fairly and consistently. The respectful and considerate behavior modeled by staff is reflected in the cooperative and friendly interactions among pupils.
Pupils actively engage in sharing facts and opinions with their teachers, participating confidently in class debates and utilizing a rich vocabulary. They demonstrate a strong retention of prior learning, which enables them to tackle increasingly complex tasks as they progress through the year groups. The school emphasizes the teaching of values such as acceptance and tolerance, which pupils embody through their supportive interactions. For instance, they learned to greet new students in Ukrainian, showcasing their commitment to inclusivity. Many pupils take on leadership roles, such as play leaders and reading mentors for younger students.
The school offers a variety of clubs and activities that allow pupils to explore their talents, including learning musical instruments like the keyboard and guitar. They enjoy performing in assemblies and local church events, taking pride in representing their school. The curriculum is ambitious and tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, with teachers effectively assessing prior knowledge to identify gaps and provide timely interventions. Most pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve well across subjects, particularly in mathematics and history, where they develop a strong understanding of cause and consequence.
However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in history, where pupils sometimes struggle with chronology, limiting their overall understanding. Teachers are aware of the needs of their pupils and plan support accordingly, ensuring high-quality work from all students. The school prioritizes reading, with a structured approach to phonics that helps pupils become confident readers. Teachers carefully select books based on pupils' interests, fostering a love for reading.
Pupils are noted for their friendliness and courtesy, demonstrating good behavior in lessons and during social times. They respond promptly to instructions and show great concentration in their work. The school has effective attendance strategies, identifying pupils who may need additional support and working with parents to overcome barriers to regular attendance.
Beyond the curriculum, pupils participate enthusiastically in various clubs, such as tag rugby and gaming, which cater to diverse interests. They learn about democracy through their active school council and gain insights into different cultures through music, art, and stories studied in lessons. The school organizes trips that complement the curriculum, allowing pupils to connect their learning with real-world experiences.
Staff express positive sentiments about working at the school, receiving strong support from leaders and high-quality training that enhances their teaching practices. The school fosters strong relationships with parents, engaging them through daily greetings and open communication regarding any concerns.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Moving forward, the school aims to enhance its history curriculum to ensure that all pupils develop a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Overall, St Saviour’s Church of England Junior School continues to provide a good education, fostering a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
