St Faith's At Ash School Limited

St Faith's at Ash School is a co-educational day school located in Ash, Canterbury, Kent, catering for children aged 2 to 11. Founded in 1987, the school is part of the Wishford Schools group and has undergone significant changes since its last inspection by Ofsted in January 2012, including a change in ownership and leadership. The school is set in a Victorian villa surrounded by five acres of grounds, which include playing fields and a swimming pool. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is housed in its own dedicated buildings, providing a nurturing environment for young learners.

The school aims to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where pupils can develop into confident, self-disciplined learners. It emphasizes a broad and balanced curriculum that encourages independent learning and fosters a strong moral sense of purpose. At the time of the inspection, there were 232 pupils enrolled, evenly split between boys and girls, with a diverse demographic reflecting the multicultural population of East Kent. The school has identified a number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those who speak English as an additional language (EAL), ensuring that all students receive appropriate support.

The inspection report highlights the school's success in meeting its educational aims. Pupils achieve excellent academic results across the curriculum and demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning. The EYFS provides a strong foundation, with children making rapid progress and developing essential skills in literacy and numeracy. The curriculum is designed to cover all required areas of learning, and pupils benefit from a wide range of extracurricular activities that enhance their educational experience. While the school has invested in resources for information and communication technology (ICT), its integration into the curriculum could be improved.

Pupils' personal development is also a key focus, with the school fostering respect for others and an understanding of British values. The pastoral care provided is excellent, ensuring that pupils feel valued and supported. Relationships between staff and pupils are warm and respectful, contributing to an environment where behavior is outstanding. The school council allows pupils to express their opinions, and their suggestions are often implemented, further promoting a sense of community and belonging.

Governance at St Faith's is described as excellent, with the director maintaining effective oversight of the school's operations. Regular visits and communication with senior management ensure that the director is well-informed about the school's day-to-day functioning. Financial management has allowed for significant investment in resources and facilities, enhancing the overall educational environment. Leadership and management are characterized by a clear educational direction, although there is room for improvement in the monitoring of teaching quality by middle managers.

The quality of teaching throughout the school is rated as excellent. Teachers are well-qualified and experienced, demonstrating a strong commitment to their pupils' learning. Planning is thorough and tailored to meet the diverse needs of students, with specialist teaching in several subjects enhancing the educational experience. Pupils are encouraged to think critically and independently, and the use of effective questioning techniques helps to deepen their understanding. Marking is consistently high-quality, providing clear guidance and setting realistic targets for improvement.

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is excellent, with the school actively promoting fundamental British values. The curriculum includes lessons on relationships, different faiths, and key aspects of life in modern British society. Pupils demonstrate a strong sense of right and wrong, and the school's culture fosters mutual respect and tolerance. They engage in various community service activities, showcasing their commitment to helping others.

The school also emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness, providing opportunities for pupils to learn about their own culture and that of others. Field trips, visits to museums, and participation in local events enrich the curriculum and help pupils develop a well-rounded understanding of the world around them. The strong community links established by the school further enhance pupils' educational experiences.

Overall, St Faith's at Ash School is characterized by its commitment to providing a high-quality education in a nurturing environment. The school's focus on academic achievement, personal development, and community engagement ensures that pupils are well-prepared for their future educational journeys. The positive relationships fostered within the school community contribute to a supportive atmosphere where all pupils can thrive. The inspection report highlights the school's strengths while also providing recommendations for further improvement, particularly in the areas of ICT integration and the development of subject leaders' roles. With its strong leadership, dedicated staff, and engaged pupils, St Faith's at Ash School continues to be a place where children can grow, learn, and succeed.