Graveney Primary School, located in Faversham, Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 4, 2023. Under the leadership of headteacher Alison Blackwell, the school is part of the Graveney Primary School Academy Trust, which involves shared responsibilities among trustees, chaired by Mary Elizabeth Hewitt. The school fosters an inclusive community where pupils feel a sense of belonging, as highlighted by student feedback emphasizing the welcoming environment.
Pupils exhibit commendable behavior throughout the school, engaging positively with one another and actively including peers with special educational needs and disabilities. The leadership sets clear expectations for behavior, promoting a culture of politeness and consideration among students and staff. Any instances of negative behavior, including bullying, are addressed promptly and effectively by the staff.
The school has established a well-defined and ambitious curriculum that motivates pupils to learn and fosters a love for reading. Students appreciate the support they receive from staff, which contributes to their overall achievement. The school offers various extracurricular activities, including clubs and community trips, which enhance the learning experience and encourage a passion for education.
Graveney Primary School has developed a robust curriculum from Reception onwards, with most subjects being well sequenced and focused on essential knowledge and skills. For instance, early mathematics instruction builds progressively from counting to 20 in Reception to recalling number pairs that sum to 20 in Year 2. The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs, adapting teaching methods to ensure accessibility for all learners.
In reading and mathematics, the curriculum is delivered effectively, with staff demonstrating strong subject knowledge. The teaching approach allows pupils to build their understanding gradually, revisiting key concepts to reinforce learning. Staff are attentive to pupils' understanding, providing timely support to address any learning gaps, which helps ensure that all students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, achieve well.
While the school excels in many areas, there are some subjects where learning outcomes can be inconsistent. This variability can lead to gaps in knowledge and hinder pupils' ability to connect new learning with prior knowledge. The school is encouraged to emphasize critical content across all subjects and to monitor pupils' retention of knowledge over time.
The teaching of reading is particularly effective, with a structured phonics program in place. Weaker readers receive additional support to help them keep pace with their peers. Pupils are provided with reading materials that align with their phonics knowledge, fostering confidence and fluency in reading. Staff prioritize reading aloud to students, exposing them to high-quality texts that broaden their cultural understanding.
Pupils display positive attitudes toward learning, demonstrating enthusiasm and engagement in a calm and settled atmosphere. They are explicitly taught behavioral expectations, which they meet consistently. The school promotes inclusivity, educating pupils about diverse traditions and the importance of mutual respect, thereby fostering a deep understanding of themselves and their role in the community.
Leadership at Graveney Primary School is proactive in recognizing strengths and challenges, providing necessary support for continuous improvement. Staff training is prioritized to enhance teaching effectiveness, resulting in a motivated and dedicated workforce. The school maintains effective communication with parents, offering workshops to support pupil learning.
The safeguarding arrangements at Graveney Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. Overall, the school continues to provide a high-quality education, with a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment for all pupils.
