Following a short inspection conducted on 25 June 2019, St Augustine of Canterbury C of E Primary School has been confirmed to continue its status as a Good school. This inspection marks the first short evaluation since the school was last judged to be good in April 2015. The leadership team has effectively maintained the quality of education, fostering a strong ethos rooted in Christian values that promotes a supportive and inclusive environment.
The leadership team has successfully upheld the good quality of education since the last inspection. All staff members embody the school’s ethos, contributing to a family-like atmosphere that encourages high attendance rates. Governors and trust representatives collaborate effectively to provide balanced support and challenge to school leaders. They are aware of recent dips in key stage 2 outcomes and are actively working to enhance educational quality.
The school benefits from the support of the trust, which includes book scrutiny to ensure consistency in the quality of pupils’ work and professional development opportunities. Leaders engage in reciprocal arrangements with other schools in the trust, allowing for critical feedback and shared best practices.
The school places significant emphasis on reading, recognizing its importance across the curriculum. Teachers integrate discussions on environmental issues, such as plastics and recycling, into lessons, enhancing pupils’ understanding of real-world challenges. Reception children demonstrate strong writing skills, utilizing phonics to decode words and employing finger-spacing for clarity in their writing. This continuity in learning is evident across all year groups.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with all staff receiving regular training to maintain vigilance. New staff undergo specific training to ensure they can protect children effectively. Leaders prioritize online safety, with external experts providing guidance on issues like cyberbullying, ensuring pupils feel safe and supported.
The inspection focused on two key areas: the quality of reading in key stage 2 and pupils’ progress. Leaders have introduced a reading program that empowers pupils to take ownership of their learning, leading to increased engagement and interest. Despite some improvements, Year 6 pupils have previously performed below national expectations. Leaders have implemented targeted support and interventions, resulting in positive impacts on performance, particularly in mathematics.
Areas for improvement include enhancing pupils’ vocabulary, particularly for those with English as an Additional Language (EAL), to ensure their reading skills align with national peers. Ongoing improvements in pupils’ progress in core subjects at key stage 2 are essential for achieving better overall outcomes.
St Augustine of Canterbury C of E Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, supported by effective leadership and a strong community ethos. The school is committed to addressing areas for improvement, particularly in enhancing vocabulary and ensuring all pupils make strong progress in their learning.
This report will be shared with the chair of the governing body, the chief executive officer of the multi-academy trust, the Director of Education for the Diocese of Rochester, the regional schools commissioner, and the director of children’s services for Bexley. The findings will also be published on the Ofsted website.
