Finberry Primary School, located in Ashford, Kent, is recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on January 23 and 24, 2024. The head of school, Siobhan Risley, leads the institution, which is part of the Stour Academy Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Rachael Howell and a board of trustees chaired by Fiona Trigwell. The school also benefits from the guidance of executive headteacher Helen Evemy, who oversees this school and another within the trust.
Pupils at Finberry Primary School develop into confident and independent learners, demonstrating commendable behavior and kindness towards one another. They actively engage with the school’s values, which include perseverance, respect, opportunity, unity, and diversity. This is evident in their high levels of concentration, excellent conduct, and mature discussions on sensitive topics. The students enjoy attending school and appreciate the efforts of the staff to ensure their safety.
The learning environment is purposeful, with pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, working diligently to produce high-quality work. The school offers a broad and well-structured curriculum that begins in Nursery Year and is designed to build essential skills and knowledge progressively. However, there is a noted area for improvement in computing, where teachers sometimes do not effectively support pupils in recalling prior learning, which is crucial for understanding new concepts.
Teachers at Finberry Primary School are well-trained and possess strong subject knowledge. They employ effective questioning techniques and assessments to gauge pupils’ understanding and tailor activities to meet their needs. In Reception Year, staff create engaging activities that align with pupils’ requirements. The school prioritizes reading, implementing a well-designed phonics scheme that helps students become fluent and confident readers. The enthusiasm for reading is further encouraged through a rewards system that motivates pupils to explore new books.
Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, concentrating well and responding promptly to established routines. They are considerate and supportive of one another, collaborating effectively in pairs and small groups. The school has made significant efforts to improve attendance, closely monitoring pupils’ punctuality and providing support to families as needed. As a result, attendance rates are high, and punctuality is consistently maintained.
The school emphasizes personal development, enhancing the curriculum with regular trips that align with what pupils are learning. These experiences include visits to local historical sites and theatres, as well as practical life skills lessons that prepare students for future challenges. Opportunities for extracurricular involvement, such as performing arts and sports, are also available to all pupils.
Staff at Finberry Primary School report high levels of job satisfaction, feeling well-supported by their colleagues and leadership. They benefit from a range of training opportunities provided by the trust, which enhances their professional development. Parents express confidence in the school, noting that their children are safe and receive ample support.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To further enhance the quality of education, leaders are encouraged to support teachers in making clearer connections between current and prior learning in computing, which will help deepen pupils’ understanding across all subjects. Overall, Finberry Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational experience for its students.
