Penshurst Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School is recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 17, 2022. The school fosters positive relationships between staff and pupils, creating an environment where students feel happy and secure. The caring atmosphere encourages pupils to express their concerns to adults, contributing to their overall well-being. The school's Christian ethos and the leadership's ambitious vision play a significant role in promoting both academic success and personal development. Leaders aim for pupils to cultivate qualities such as compassion and empathy, aligning with the school's mission to encourage understanding and kindness.
Pupils are educated about bullying and its consequences through a well-structured personal, social, and health education program. This education empowers them to recognize the impact of their words and actions, fostering a sense of safety within the school. The staff's commitment to addressing any instances of bullying reinforces this sense of security. The school environment is purposeful and nurturing, with parents expressing appreciation for the supportive approach of the staff, which helps children gain confidence and thrive in their learning.
The curriculum at Penshurst is ambitious and well-structured, ensuring that it meets national requirements while equipping pupils with essential skills and knowledge. This comprehensive approach prepares students for future success, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff are well-supported in their teaching practices, and they effectively assess pupils' understanding through careful evaluation of their work. However, there are areas where teachers' subject knowledge could be strengthened, leading to inconsistencies in pupil learning across different subjects.
Phonics instruction is prioritized, with early reading being taught daily. Children in the Reception Year begin phonics lessons shortly after starting school, learning sounds in a logical sequence. The reading curriculum for older pupils is well-organized and tailored to their needs, promoting fluency and confidence in reading. Pupils engage with a variety of high-quality texts, fostering a love for reading. Teachers monitor reading skills closely, adapting instruction to address any gaps in knowledge.
The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they achieve well and are set aspirational targets. Teachers adapt lessons to meet the diverse needs of these pupils, allowing them to experience success across subjects. The positive conduct of pupils contributes to a focused learning environment with minimal disruption. Most pupils demonstrate a positive attitude towards their learning and interact respectfully with peers and adults.
Pupils benefit from a wide range of extracurricular opportunities that enhance their personal development, including educational trips and clubs. They actively participate in school events, taking leadership roles in planning collective worship. Parents view the school as a supportive community, working collaboratively with staff to ensure the best outcomes for their children.
Staff report feeling well-supported by school leaders, who consider their workload and well-being. The headteacher and senior leadership team maintain an open-door policy, fostering a supportive atmosphere for staff. The school's safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety established through training and support for staff. Leaders ensure that pupils are educated about safety, including online safety, and maintain thorough record-keeping to monitor any concerns.
While the school excels in many areas, there is a need for improvement in certain subjects where teaching effectiveness varies. Leaders are encouraged to provide targeted support to enhance teachers' subject knowledge, ensuring a consistently high standard of education across the curriculum. Overall, Penshurst Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, with a strong emphasis on both academic achievement and personal growth.
