Wentworth Primary School in Dartford, Kent, received a positive inspection report, reflecting its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on June 7 and 8, 2023, and the school has maintained this grade since its previous inspection in November 2017. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils at Wentworth Primary School report feeling happy and safe, with staff providing a warm welcome each morning. The school fosters a caring and harmonious environment, with leaders setting high expectations for student success. Pupils benefit from connections with notable alumni in sports and music, enhancing their educational experience. Parents express satisfaction with the school, noting that their children are well-prepared for future educational stages. Testimonials from parents highlight the strong friendships formed by their children and their success in both academic and personal achievements.
Behavior among pupils is commendable, with rare instances of bullying. Students feel confident that any issues would be addressed promptly by staff. The school prepares pupils for life in modern Britain, teaching them about democracy and historical influences. For instance, early years children engage in voting for their favorite books, while older pupils commemorate significant historical events, such as Remembrance Day, alongside a mock Second World War tank in the playground.
The school has designed an ambitious curriculum aimed at fostering lifelong learning and providing diverse life opportunities. The curriculum is broad, including French and Japanese language studies. In most subjects, the curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to make significant progress. However, some subjects are still developing, and leaders have yet to identify essential knowledge and vocabulary for pupils to learn effectively. This gap sometimes leads to misconceptions and gaps in understanding, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and often review previous learning to reinforce important concepts. For example, in art, pupils regularly revisit color mixing techniques. Collaborative learning is encouraged, as seen in science lessons where pupils work together to identify tree species using an app. Regular assessments in subjects like reading and mathematics help teachers identify and address misconceptions quickly.
Reading is a priority at Wentworth Primary School, with teachers well-trained in delivering a structured phonics program. From early years, children engage with phonics, and as their reading skills develop, they cultivate a love for books. The school library serves as an inviting space for pupils to explore literature.
Pupils enjoy a variety of extracurricular activities that promote personal development, including animation and drama clubs. Physical education is emphasized, with pupils encouraged to excel in various sports, earning recognition through national awards. The school community is respectful, with low levels of disruption reported.
Staff members feel supported by school leaders, who prioritize their professional development and consider workload when implementing new initiatives. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify and address any risks to pupils. Pupils learn about safety in various contexts, including online safety, with support provided to parents for managing their children's online presence.
To improve, the school needs to refine curriculum plans in some foundation subjects to ensure that essential knowledge is clearly defined. Additionally, the implementation and tracking of targets for pupils with SEND require enhancement to ensure all students achieve their potential. Overall, Wentworth Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment.
