The Craylands School, located in Swanscombe, Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 24-25, 2019. The school is characterized by a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, where pupils express their enjoyment of attending. They feel safe and cared for by the staff, who are described as kind and supportive. Parents have noted their children's enthusiasm for school and the positive relationships they have with teachers. The school promotes a culture of learning, encouraging pupils to embrace challenges and learn from their mistakes. The concept of being a Craylearner, supported by Lenny the Craylearning Lion, fosters a positive attitude towards education.
Pupils engage actively in their lessons and demonstrate good behavior, with a strong sense of confidence regarding bullying, knowing that teachers would address any issues promptly. The school has successfully maintained its community feel despite its growth, with parents appreciating the personal attention their children receive from teachers. The curriculum is well-structured, with leaders having carefully considered what pupils should learn and when. Teachers effectively build on prior knowledge and emphasize the importance of vocabulary in each subject, which aids pupils in demonstrating their understanding.
In the early years, children settle quickly and feel secure, with a focus on developing their speaking, reading, writing, and early mathematics skills. Phonics instruction begins immediately in Reception, and staff are well-trained to ensure pupils achieve success by the end of Year 1. The school promotes a love of reading, with daily story sessions and discussions that enhance comprehension and engagement. Mathematics is also taught effectively, with a curriculum that encourages practical application of skills.
While most pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve well, there are areas for improvement. The most able pupils sometimes do not reach their full potential due to insufficiently high expectations from teachers. Additionally, the quality of handwriting and presentation of work needs to be consistently improved, as some teachers accept poorly presented work. Leaders are aware of these issues and are committed to ensuring that expectations are raised.
The school offers a variety of clubs and extracurricular activities that contribute to pupils' development as confident and responsible individuals. Positive relationships between leaders and staff are evident, with an understanding of the need to balance workload while maintaining high teaching standards. Safeguarding measures are effective, with well-trained staff who respond promptly to any concerns regarding pupil safety and well-being.
To enhance its performance, the school must ensure that teachers consistently maintain high expectations for all pupils, particularly the most able. Additionally, leaders need to rigorously monitor the implementation of the curriculum in foundation subjects to ensure its effectiveness. Overall, The Craylands School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, with a clear commitment to improvement and excellence in education.
