Lessness Heath Primary School, located in Belvedere, Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 12 and 13, 2023. Under the leadership of headteacher Ann-Marie Bolton, the school is part of the Primary First Trust, which shares responsibilities for its governance with a board of trustees led by William John Harwood. The school provides a safe and welcoming environment where pupils feel happy and secure. They enjoy the spacious grounds and have opportunities to engage with the school dog, Lola, which enhances their school experience.
The school’s ambitious curriculum is designed to support pupils from their early years in Nursery through to Year 6. It is structured to ensure that all pupils, including those requiring additional support, can access the learning effectively. The inclusion of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is a priority, ensuring they participate fully in all aspects of school life. The school promotes high expectations for behavior, resulting in a polite student body that moves sensibly around the premises. Disruptions to lessons are rare, and incidents of bullying are addressed swiftly and effectively by staff.
A notable initiative at Lessness Heath is the ‘Lessness Legacy’ program, which aims to broaden pupils’ experiences through enriching activities. Younger pupils have opportunities to visit seaside towns, while older students engage in cultural exchanges with Spanish pen pals and attend performances at the Globe Theatre. This program is designed to create lasting memories and enhance the educational experience.
The school excels in its early years provision, with a well-planned induction process that involves parents and caregivers. This approach helps children settle quickly and develop essential social skills. The collaboration with parents to enhance communication skills through shared reading is commendable, leading to increased confidence in expressing themselves. The curriculum is carefully sequenced, allowing for the gradual development of knowledge and skills across subjects.
In mathematics, the school has established a clear framework that allows teachers to identify gaps in pupils’ understanding and provide additional support as needed. The effective identification of pupils’ additional needs ensures that they receive the necessary help promptly. The teaching of reading is prioritized, with a new phonics scheme recently adopted to improve fluency and accuracy. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that the phonics program is implemented consistently across all classes.
While the school has a positive approach to behavior management, there are instances of low-level disruption in lessons. Teachers are quick to address these issues and reinforce expectations. The school also prioritizes the wider development of pupils, exposing them to diverse cultural experiences through visits to galleries and performances.
Leadership at all levels is committed to continuous improvement, working collaboratively with trustees to identify priorities. Staff express high levels of job satisfaction and appreciate the support provided for their well-being and workload management. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
In summary, Lessness Heath Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, with a strong focus on inclusivity, early years development, and a broad curriculum. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in the consistency of phonics instruction, the school is taking proactive steps to address these challenges and enhance the educational experience for all its pupils.
