Chevening St Botolph’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School in Kent has been rated as good in its recent inspection. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community and Christian values, which contribute to a positive environment for pupils. The leadership team is committed to ensuring that students have a fulfilling school experience and develop into well-rounded individuals. Staff members are dedicated to the well-being of pupils and maintain strong relationships with their families, creating a nurturing atmosphere where students feel valued and supported.
Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction with the school, emphasizing that it is not merely a place for dropping off children but a community where they are actively involved. Many parents volunteer in various capacities, such as reading support, and the school community has successfully raised funds for improvements, including the refurbishment of the swimming pool. The leadership team has high expectations for pupil achievement, and students are responding positively to these challenges. However, some pupils occasionally struggle with resilience and confidence, which can hinder their learning.
Pupils exhibit good behavior and report that bullying is not an issue at the school. They enjoy strong friendships and collaborate well in both academic and recreational activities. The school has high standards in reading, writing, and mathematics, with pupils achieving well at the end of key stages. The leadership is currently focusing on enhancing the curriculum, particularly in foundation subjects, as there are inconsistencies in teachers' subject knowledge and the sequencing of lesson plans in these areas.
Reading is prioritized, and the phonics teaching is well-organized and effective, although some staff require additional training to ensure they have the necessary skills to support pupils effectively. The school has recently reviewed its reading scheme to align books with pupils' reading abilities, resulting in consistently high outcomes in the Year 1 phonics screening check.
In the early years, children are happy and engaged, benefiting from a well-structured learning environment. However, outdoor learning experiences are less developed compared to classroom activities. The school is encouraged to enhance outdoor learning opportunities and ensure that risk assessments are consistently conducted to maintain children's safety.
Pupils appreciate the diverse opportunities provided by the school, including extracurricular activities and responsibilities such as leading clubs and assemblies. The leadership team is praised for their reflective approach and commitment to staff well-being, fostering a united vision for the school. Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff well-trained to recognize and respond to potential concerns. While improvements have been made in safeguarding procedures, there is a need for better organization of paperwork and risk assessments in the early years.
Overall, Chevening St Botolph’s is a good school with a strong community ethos, dedicated staff, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The leadership team is focused on enhancing the curriculum and ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive the support they need to succeed. The school is well-regarded by parents and the local community, and there is a clear commitment to fostering a safe and enriching environment for all students.
