Ash Cartwright and Kelsey Church of England Primary School, located in Ash, Canterbury, Kent, underwent an inspection on September 24 and 25, 2019. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting significant improvements since the previous inspection, which had rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils expressed positive sentiments about their school experience, highlighting the variety of subjects offered and the high expectations set by teachers. They described the work as challenging yet rewarding, with one pupil noting the pride felt upon mastering new skills. The school environment is characterized by a sense of welcome and care, with pupils feeling safe and trusting of the staff. Behavior is generally good, with rare instances of poor conduct reported.
The school offers a range of extracurricular clubs and opportunities for pupils to engage in school life, such as becoming prefects or joining the sports squad. Pupils demonstrate politeness and respect towards one another, often collaborating in group work and supporting each other. They reported no bullying, and if it were to occur, they believe it would be addressed promptly.
The educational offerings at Ash Cartwright and Kelsey Primary School have improved significantly since the last inspection. The headteacher and her team have established a clear vision based on the school’s values, which include friendship, community, perseverance, joy, forgiveness, and creation. This vision has fostered a nurturing environment with high expectations for all pupils.
The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the pupils, with clear expectations for learning in each subject. Teachers effectively deliver the curriculum, although some leaders are new to their roles and still developing their influence on pupil learning. In core subjects such as reading, writing, mathematics, and science, teachers monitor pupil progress effectively and use this information to inform their teaching. However, there is a need for improvement in assessment practices in other subjects, and leaders are working to enhance this without overburdening teachers.
Reading is a priority at the school, with a strong emphasis on early reading instruction. Staff in the early years and key stage one are well-trained in phonics, ensuring that pupils receive appropriate support to address any gaps in learning. This focus on reading continues into key stage two, where pupils express a love for reading both at home and in school.
The school provides adequate support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can access the same broad curriculum as their peers. The behavior policy is clear and consistently applied by staff, resulting in minimal reminders needed for pupils to stay on task.
Leaders offer various opportunities for pupils to develop into responsible citizens, including international links with schools in Brazil and France, which help pupils understand cultural differences. Pupils also engage in community activities, such as visiting the chamber of commerce and participating in debates on social issues.
In the early years, staff demonstrate a solid understanding of child development, planning engaging activities that encourage exploration and investigation. Children quickly adapt to routines and learn to interact respectfully with peers and adults. The school is committed to providing a strong foundation for young learners, ensuring they experience all areas of learning and receive support to catch up if necessary.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a strong emphasis on training for staff to identify and report concerns. Designated safeguarding leads maintain strong relationships with relevant agencies to support pupils and their families. Leaders are aware of potential risks in the community and online, teaching pupils how to recognize dangers and report concerns.
To further improve, the school needs to enhance teachers' expertise in assessing pupil learning across the wider curriculum. Leaders must ensure that all subject leaders receive the necessary professional development to positively impact pupil learning. Overall, Ash Cartwright and Kelsey Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all pupils.
