Luddenham School, located in Faversham, Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection from July 3 to July 4, 2024. Under the leadership of headteacher Claire Vincett, the school operates as part of a single-academy trust overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Dominic Deeson. The school fosters a supportive and friendly environment where pupils feel valued and cared for, contributing to their growing confidence. Parents express positive sentiments about the school, highlighting its community feel and commitment to nurturing children's potential.
Pupils at Luddenham School are described as open and engaging, taking pride in various leadership opportunities available to them. They feel safe and well-supported, knowing that there is always someone to help with any issues they may encounter. The school's expansive and well-resourced grounds provide ample opportunities for play and exploration, promoting active and imaginative engagement among pupils. The school emphasizes the importance of kindness and consideration, helping students build positive relationships.
High expectations for attendance and behavior are evident, with pupils regularly attending school and demonstrating good conduct in lessons. Staff consistently reinforce these expectations, leading to orderly classrooms where pupils are focused and engaged in their learning. The school has successfully developed an engaging curriculum that builds knowledge across subjects, with a clear focus on ensuring pupils are prepared for the next stages of their education. However, there is recognition that the early years curriculum for Reception could be further refined to better prepare children for Year 1.
Staff at Luddenham School are well-trained and possess strong subject knowledge, effectively checking pupils' understanding and addressing any gaps in learning, particularly in English and mathematics. The school has made significant strides in improving reading outcomes, with a renewed focus on phonics and reading in key stage one. Regular assessments help identify pupils who may need additional support, ensuring they can catch up quickly. The curriculum also includes a variety of books for novel study sessions, enhancing vocabulary and comprehension skills.
In mathematics, the school has responded to previous challenges by revising the curriculum and focusing on multiplication, which has led to increased confidence and competence among pupils. The clear behavior policy is well understood and consistently applied, helping pupils recognize expectations and receive support when needed. The school also prioritizes the personal development of pupils, embedding its FLIGHT values of fairness, leadership, imagination, grit, honesty, and teamwork into various school experiences.
Trustees are actively involved in the school, ensuring they have the necessary information to hold the school accountable and support its mission to keep pupils safe and promote effective learning. The arrangements for safeguarding are deemed effective, contributing to a positive school culture. However, the school acknowledges the need for improvement in assessing knowledge retention in foundation subjects and refining the early years curriculum to better prepare children for future learning.
Overall, Luddenham School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment, with a commitment to ongoing improvement and the well-being of its pupils. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address areas for development, ensuring that all students achieve their full potential.
