Keston Church of England Primary School, located in Keston, Kent, has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection on January 24 and 25, 2024. The headteacher, Julia Evison, leads the school, which is part of the Aquinas Church of England Academies Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Kathy Griffiths and a board of trustees chaired by Giles Lambert. The school serves pupils aged 4 to 11 and has a total enrollment of 177 students.
The inspection report highlights that pupils at Keston are happy, well cared for, and enjoy their time at school. Staff members know the pupils well and provide timely support, fostering a safe environment. Parents and carers express overwhelming positivity about the school, and staff take pride in being part of this welcoming community. The school is ambitious for all its pupils, who show eagerness to attend and engage positively in their learning. Classrooms are described as calm and inviting, with well-established routines that help pupils focus on their education. Reading is emphasized as a central component of the curriculum, contributing to pupils' academic success.
Behaviour at the school is commendable, with pupils being polite and kind. They are encouraged to assist one another and learn the values of good citizenship. Older pupils take on the role of buddies for younger students, promoting positive relationships. The school actively promotes its values, including friendship and trust. Pupils appreciate the opportunities available for their broader development, including various clubs such as coding, dance, choir, and football, as well as trips to local places of worship and the Isle of Wight.
The curriculum at Keston is broad and ambitious, with careful planning of the knowledge and skills expected of pupils. Learning is sequenced effectively, allowing pupils to revisit prior knowledge regularly, which aids in mastering key skills. For instance, in mathematics, pupils explore increasingly complex concepts before advancing to more challenging topics. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and are well-trained, adapting learning to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school is well-resourced, enhancing the creative aspects of learning, particularly in the early years.
However, the report notes that in a few subjects, including early years, the specific knowledge, skills, and vocabulary that pupils are expected to learn have not been clearly identified. This gap can hinder the assessment of pupils' understanding and limit their deeper learning in these areas. The school's approach to teaching reading is highly developed, with staff trained in phonics instruction and daily reading promotion. Parents are supportive of the resources provided to help their children with reading.
Behaviour in lessons and around the school is calm, with strong attendance rates among most pupils. The school provides effective support to improve attendance where needed. Pupils concentrate well and respect one another, with those requiring additional support receiving appropriate assistance. The school promotes emotional well-being through initiatives like the 'zones of regulation.'
Keston Church of England Primary School has a well-planned curriculum focused on personal development, teaching pupils about health, safety, and first-aid skills. Staff members feel supported by school and trust leaders, with a focus on managing workload and prioritizing well-being. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, while the school demonstrates many strengths, it is encouraged to clarify the key knowledge and skills in certain subjects to enhance pupils' readiness for future learning stages.
