St Edmund’s Church of England Primary School is recognized as a good school, continuing to provide a positive educational experience for its pupils. The school is located in West Kingsdown, Kent, and has a welcoming atmosphere where pupils feel happy and supported. The staff are described as friendly and caring, fostering strong relationships among students. Older pupils take on the responsibility of looking after younger ones, demonstrating a genuine concern for their well-being. The school promotes its values effectively, encouraging pupils to embody the motto of ‘shine their light.’ The presence of Eve, the school dog, adds to the supportive environment, helping anxious pupils settle in, while the school’s guinea pigs provide additional opportunities for care and responsibility.
The curriculum at St Edmund’s is broad and engaging, designed to inspire pupils and encourage a love of learning. Pupils participate in a variety of activities, including learning sign language during songs and celebrating local festivals at the church. They enjoy creative pursuits in the art room and develop teamwork skills in the forest school. This diverse curriculum contributes to pupils’ strong knowledge and understanding across subjects. Behaviour in the school is commendable, with pupils adhering to school rules and showing respect for both adults and peers. The patience of teachers is acknowledged by students, who feel that issues are resolved fairly.
The school excels in providing a curriculum that meets the needs and interests of its pupils. Subject leaders are knowledgeable and support teachers in delivering the curriculum effectively. The early years curriculum prepares children well for their transition to key stage one, and pupils in key stage one continue to engage in appropriate activities that build their confidence as learners. The school is mindful of teachers’ workloads, allowing them to focus on their teaching responsibilities. Governors play an active role in ensuring necessary improvements are made.
St Edmund’s is ambitious for its pupils, particularly in the early years, where children engage in exploratory learning. Teachers employ effective questioning techniques to assess understanding and provide support to those who may be struggling. The school identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities well, although some pupils may still require additional adult support in certain subjects. This indicates a need for closer alignment of adaptations to better support these pupils’ learning.
Pupils demonstrate strong reading and mathematical skills, becoming fluent readers and developing a passion for literature. The phonics and reading program is well-structured, and additional reading opportunities are provided for those who read less at home. In mathematics, teachers encourage reflection on prior learning, helping pupils to secure their understanding and apply it to new concepts. The school promotes collaborative work, and pupils engage positively in class activities.
Attendance rates are high, thanks to the school’s efforts to improve pupil attendance. The school offers a rich array of extracurricular opportunities, including trips to local museums and participation in sporting events. Clubs are well-attended, and the school fosters cultural understanding through activities like school council elections and charity fundraising. Parental engagement is encouraged through initiatives such as coffee mornings and workshops for parents of pupils with special educational needs.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. While the school is performing well, there is a need to further implement adaptive strategies for supporting pupils with special educational needs to ensure they achieve their full potential across all subjects. Overall, St Edmund’s Church of England Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational experience for its pupils.
