Egerton Church of England Primary School, located in Ashford, Kent, has recently undergone an inspection on 11 and 12 October 2023, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to its values, which include perseverance, compassion, respect, honesty, forgiveness, and hope. Pupils are encouraged to try their best and feel happy and safe in a stimulating learning environment that offers ample outdoor space. The staff maintain high expectations for all students, including those with additional needs, and the curriculum is both broad and ambitious, exposing pupils to diverse cultures and customs.
The behavior of pupils is commendable, contributing to a calm atmosphere within the school. They are attentive during lessons and utilize outdoor spaces effectively. Playtimes are also characterized by calmness, and pupils express trust in the adults responsible for their care, confident that any concerns will be addressed. Respect among pupils and towards adults is evident, and the school offers a variety of trips that enhance the curriculum, alongside opportunities for pupils to develop leadership skills through roles such as school council members and house captains.
The curriculum is well-structured, ensuring that pupils achieve well from the start of their education. Teachers are adept at questioning and planning engaging activities across all year groups, leading to strong progress. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in some foundation subjects where teachers do not consistently assess pupils' understanding, hindering deeper comprehension. The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they achieve on par with their peers. Early reading support is particularly effective, helping pupils develop essential literacy skills.
Teachers design learning experiences that facilitate smooth transitions between year groups, with older pupils reflecting positively on their preparedness for future challenges. The integration of subjects is a focus, with teachers ensuring that pupils understand the relevance of their learning to real-life situations. For instance, older pupils engage in debates about local development issues, demonstrating their ability to apply knowledge in practical contexts.
While the school promotes high expectations for behavior, attendance remains a challenge, with a notable number of pupils being persistently absent. The school has implemented strategies to improve attendance, but these have not yet yielded the desired results. Personal development is carefully planned, with pupils participating in community projects and taking on responsibilities that broaden their experiences.
Leaders at the school are dedicated to continuous improvement, providing support and training for staff. Governors play an active role in holding leaders accountable, ensuring that the views of the school community are considered. The school prioritizes safeguarding, with effective arrangements in place to protect pupils.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school must focus on improving assessment practices in foundation subjects to build on pupils' prior knowledge more effectively. Additionally, addressing attendance issues is crucial to ensure that all pupils benefit from the educational opportunities provided. Overall, Egerton Church of England Primary School is a nurturing environment where pupils thrive academically and personally, embodying the school's core values.
