West Malling Church of England Primary School, along with the McGinty Speech and Language Specialist Resource Provision, was inspected on January 24 and 25, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting a positive learning environment where pupils are happy and thrive. The school fosters strong friendships among students, with older pupils taking on responsibilities to support younger ones, which contributes to a sense of security for all children. Parents appreciate the nurturing atmosphere, highlighting the supportive environment provided by the school.
The school’s leadership demonstrates high ambition for all pupils, ensuring that those with special educational needs and disabilities are fully engaged in school life. The curriculum is well-sequenced and ambitious, allowing pupils to develop their knowledge and skills across a broad range of subjects. Pupils exhibit good behavior and feel safe, with effective measures in place to address any instances of bullying swiftly. The school promotes a culture of encouragement and support among pupils, fostering a community where everyone looks out for one another.
Leaders provide valuable training for teachers, enhancing their subject knowledge and teaching practices. Collaboration among subject leaders across the trust helps in sharing ideas and improving curriculum delivery. The governance structure is effective, with governors and trustees actively challenging school leaders to maintain high standards. While the curriculum is clear, there are areas where teachers may lack clarity on effective teaching methods, leading to inconsistencies in some subjects. This inconsistency can impact the learning outcomes for some pupils, despite strong performance in national tests.
Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding and use this information to inform their lesson planning, ensuring that learning builds on prior knowledge. Adaptations are made for pupils with special educational needs, allowing them to access the curriculum effectively. In mathematics, early years pupils are well-supported in developing their skills through engaging activities that promote learning through play. Reading instruction is also prioritized, with teachers ensuring that pupils develop into fluent readers. However, some pupils do not read frequently outside of lessons, which may hinder their progress compared to peers.
Pupils demonstrate respect for one another and adhere to behavioral expectations set by the school. Staff manage classroom behavior effectively, ensuring that learning is not disrupted. The school provides a variety of experiences to enhance pupils' cultural understanding and encourages respect for diverse views and beliefs. Support is readily available for pupils with social and emotional needs, contributing to their overall well-being. A range of extracurricular clubs is offered, which are well-attended and beneficial for pupils.
The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, with staff receiving timely training to ensure pupil safety. Leaders act promptly on any concerns and collaborate with external agencies to provide necessary support. Pupils are educated on online safety and feel confident in approaching trusted adults with any worries. The school maintains a strong culture of safeguarding, ensuring that pupils feel secure.
To improve further, the school needs to address the inconsistencies in curriculum delivery by clarifying pedagogical approaches in certain subjects. This will help ensure that all teachers implement the curriculum effectively, supporting all pupils to achieve their full potential across all subjects. Overall, West Malling Church of England Primary School provides a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
