Lynsted and Norton Primary School, located in Sittingbourne, Kent, underwent an inspection on March 7 and 8, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The school has made significant strides since its previous inspection, which rated it as Inadequate. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were all rated as Requires Improvement, while early years provision was rated as Good.
The school provides a nurturing environment that helps children settle well into Reception, with parents describing it as superb. Older pupils feel secure, with each having a trusted adult to turn to for support. The school has implemented an 'Ask it basket' system for pupils to express concerns, although there are shortcomings in how bullying and unkind behavior are investigated. While pupils generally behave well in lessons and respect the school's behavior system, there is still work to be done to ensure all pupils receive the necessary teaching and support to excel across all subjects. Attendance remains a concern, with too many pupils not attending regularly enough to benefit from the improvements made.
Leaders have prioritized reading, ensuring that staff are well-trained in teaching it effectively. Pupils are encouraged to develop a love for reading from an early age, and recent initiatives, such as library visits, have supported this goal. However, while the curriculum is broad and balanced, there is a need for clearer curriculum planning to ensure all pupils achieve well across subjects. The curriculum in early years is well-developed, but in key stages one and two, there is a lack of clarity in what pupils need to learn and in what order. This has led to inconsistencies in teaching and assessment, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
Pupils enjoy their learning and can recall some key facts, but they do not build a connected body of knowledge in each subject. Teachers do not consistently check understanding, leading to gaps in knowledge not being addressed. In early years, staff effectively use assessment to identify children's learning needs. The school has introduced a clear curriculum for personal, social, and health education, but staff require further training to handle sensitive topics effectively.
The school offers limited extracurricular activities, and there is a need for more opportunities for pupils to explore their interests and talents. While the school promotes inclusivity, the curriculum does not adequately promote diversity. Although behavior in classrooms is generally calm, some pupils report experiencing unkindness from peers, indicating that the anti-bullying strategy needs strengthening. Leaders must ensure that incidents are recorded and addressed consistently.
The leadership team has a clear vision for the school and is committed to providing an excellent education. They receive strong support and challenge from the governing body, which helps the school progress towards its goals. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify and respond to potential risks. However, there are instances where actions taken to protect pupils have not been fully documented.
To improve, the school must enhance its approach to bullying, address persistent absenteeism, clarify curriculum planning, and ensure that all teachers are equipped to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs. By focusing on these areas, Lynsted and Norton Primary School can continue to build on its progress and provide a better educational experience for all its pupils.
