St Richard’s Catholic Primary School in Dover, Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 5 and 6, 2022. The school provides a nurturing and inclusive environment where pupils feel happy and engaged in their learning. Students describe the school as kind, respectful, exciting, fun, and beautiful, emphasizing the love and support they receive. The school’s values, which include forgiveness, honesty, hope, kindness, love, and respect, are integral to its culture, fostering strong relationships among pupils who look out for one another.
Pupils exhibit good behavior, demonstrating politeness and friendliness. They feel safe at school and are well-informed about online safety. The school has effective measures in place to prevent bullying, with pupils reporting that staff are responsive to their concerns. The positive relationships between staff and students contribute to a trusting atmosphere conducive to learning.
Following a decline in performance after the previous inspection, the new executive principal quickly identified key areas for improvement and implemented effective strategies. Supported by senior leaders and the trust, the principals have worked diligently to enhance the quality of education. Their commitment to high expectations for all pupils has led to improved attendance, which has positively impacted students' achievements and attitudes towards school.
The school offers a broad curriculum designed to help all pupils succeed. Teachers are clear about the knowledge and skills they want students to acquire and generally check for understanding effectively. However, there are inconsistencies in a few subjects compared to English, mathematics, and science. The curriculum is ambitious, and staff prioritize developing pupils' vocabulary and communication skills, which is particularly beneficial for those who speak English as an additional language.
Reception children adapt quickly to routines and make rapid progress in their learning. However, there are instances where the knowledge gained in Reception is not fully acknowledged as pupils transition to Key Stage 1, which can hinder their learning pace. Reading instruction is strong, with a well-structured phonics program that begins in Reception. Children enjoy learning new sounds and reading books that match their phonetic knowledge, fostering a love for reading that supports their learning across subjects.
Staff members appreciate the supportive team environment and feel valued by the leadership. They commend the efforts made to manage their workload and prioritize their well-being. Parents express strong support for the school, noting effective communication that keeps them informed and involved in their children's education.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, prioritizing pupils' well-being and safety. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding responsibilities and are vigilant in identifying and addressing any concerns. The school collaborates closely with external agencies to ensure that pupils receive necessary support.
To further improve, the school needs to ensure that teaching consistently helps pupils remember what they have learned across all subjects. Additionally, curriculum planning should build on the foundational skills and knowledge acquired in Reception to enhance learning as pupils progress into Key Stage 1. Overall, St Richard’s Catholic Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong commitment to the well-being and success of its pupils.
