Hampton Primary School, located in Herne Bay, Kent, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, receiving a Good rating in various areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, and leadership and management. The school has demonstrated outstanding performance in personal development and early years provision. The inspection, conducted in March 2020, highlighted the school's commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment where pupils feel happy and secure. The school emphasizes the importance of personal development from the early years, instilling values such as reflection, enjoyment, aspiration, collaboration, creativity, resilience, risk-taking, expectations, and independence.
Pupils at Hampton Primary School engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities, contributing to their overall development. They particularly enjoy after-school clubs, with gymnastics being a favorite. Leadership opportunities, such as serving as pupil ambassadors, are also valued by students. Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction with the school, with many noting the positive impact it has on their children's growth and learning experiences.
The school leadership, including governors and staff, maintains high aspirations for all pupils, encouraging them to achieve their full potential. This commitment is reflected in the strong performance of pupils in national assessments in English and mathematics. The school ensures that all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs, receive the support they need to succeed academically and socially.
Teachers at Hampton Primary School benefit from ongoing professional development, which enhances their subject knowledge and teaching practices. The effective teaching of phonics in the early years is a notable strength, enabling children to develop strong reading skills from the outset. The curriculum is designed to ignite pupils' interests, particularly in subjects like science, where hands-on experiments are emphasized. However, there is a recognition that subject leaders need more opportunities to collaborate with teachers to enhance the quality of education across all subjects.
Pupils' personal development is prioritized, with a focus on their social and emotional well-being. The school has implemented initiatives to promote mental health awareness, and pupils are encouraged to share any concerns they may have. Attendance has been a challenge in recent years, but the school has made significant strides in improving it through support for families and collaboration with local authorities.
The leadership of the early years is particularly strong, providing children with a vibrant learning environment that fosters exploration and social interaction. The school community is characterized by a sense of pride among staff, who are dedicated to the school's mission and values. Safeguarding measures are robust, ensuring that pupils are well-protected and supported.
While the school has made commendable progress, there are areas for improvement. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that the foundation curriculum is consistently embedded and that pupils retain the knowledge and skills they acquire over time. Continued efforts to enhance attendance are also necessary to ensure that all pupils benefit fully from the rich educational experiences offered at Hampton Primary School. Overall, the school is well-regarded for its commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for all its pupils.
