Cliftonville Primary School, located in Margate, Kent, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good, with outstanding ratings in behavior and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision. The school is led by headteacher Claire Whichcord and is part of the Coastal Academies Trust, overseen by CEO Kathryn Greig and a board of trustees chaired by Dave Roberts. The school has a history of high performance, having been rated outstanding in its last inspection eight years ago. The recent inspection, conducted under the current framework, reflects the school's commitment to maintaining high standards despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Pupils at Cliftonville Primary School thrive in a supportive environment characterized by strong relationships between staff and students. The school fosters a community atmosphere that parents appreciate, noting the excellent pastoral support provided to their children. Students are well-versed in the school's seven core values, which include independence, safety, resilience, respect, aspiration, learning, and community unity. This understanding encourages them to embody these values in their daily activities, contributing positively to the school environment.
The quality of education is deemed good, with a well-structured curriculum that caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The early years foundation is particularly strong, effectively preparing children for their subsequent educational journey. Staff demonstrate expert subject knowledge, focusing on vocabulary development and ensuring that pupils can articulate their learning using appropriate terminology. However, the consistency of this high-quality teaching varies across lessons, indicating an area for improvement.
Reading is prioritized within the school, with a newly developed library and daily reading opportunities integrated into the curriculum. Phonics instruction is effective, and interventions are in place for pupils who struggle with reading fluency. Despite these strengths, the school faced challenges in the 2023 national tests, where key stage two outcomes in reading and mathematics fell below national expectations. In response, school leaders have implemented measures to enhance pupil achievement in these areas, including curriculum revisions and tailored interventions.
The school’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its provision for pupils with additional needs, particularly through the establishment of 'the hive,' which offers bespoke support to ensure these students have a strong start. The staff's understanding of the needs of these pupils and the strategies required to support them is commendable.
Cliftonville Primary School also emphasizes the importance of the wider development of its pupils and their families. The multicultural nature of the school is celebrated, and initiatives such as the Language Ambassadors program help support students with English as an additional language. The school is proactive in fostering strong relationships with families, providing access to additional support through its well-being hub.
While the school has made significant strides in various areas, the full impact of recent initiatives aimed at improving reading and mathematics achievement is still being realized. Leaders are dedicated to monitoring progress and ensuring that their actions lead to the desired outcomes. The governance structure is robust, with trustees and governors providing effective oversight and support to facilitate ongoing development and improvement.
Overall, Cliftonville Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and nurturing environment for its pupils, with clear strategies in place to address areas for growth and ensure continued success.
