All Saints Church of England Primary School, located in Chatham, Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 20 and 21, 2024. The school operates under the leadership of executive headteacher Joanne Strachan and is part of the Medway Anglican Schools Trust, which includes a board of trustees and two heads of school, Nicola Milton and Katie Forghani-Ashrafi. The school is committed to fostering a welcoming environment that emphasizes achievement, respect, inclusion, support, and enjoyment.
Pupils at All Saints feel safe and valued, thanks to the positive relationships they have with staff and the clear expectations for behavior. The school promotes a culture of respect and pride in learning, with students expressing happiness about their educational experiences. The curriculum is designed to be engaging and ambitious, allowing pupils to learn effectively across various subjects. Parents have noted the school's dedication to equipping their children with the necessary tools and knowledge to achieve their goals.
Well-being is a priority at All Saints, with initiatives like the Zen Den providing a quiet space for students during breaks. The school encourages older pupils to take on caring roles, such as helping younger students during lunchtime, and actively involves them in the student council to organize charity events. This involvement fosters a sense of responsibility and community among the students.
The early years program is particularly strong, with children receiving guidance from knowledgeable adults who stimulate their curiosity and support their learning through high-quality interactions. Phonics sessions are engaging, and struggling readers are quickly identified and supported, leading to a love of reading that enhances their overall learning experience. Families are also provided with resources to assist their children with reading and mathematics at home.
The curriculum is broad and well-structured, with staff demonstrating excellent subject knowledge. The teaching of new vocabulary is a notable strength, as staff help pupils use subject-specific language accurately. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that new information is presented effectively. Some pupils may advance to new topics without fully grasping previous content, leading to gaps in knowledge, especially in mathematics. The school is actively working to address these issues by providing targeted support for staff to enhance their teaching strategies.
All Saints is attentive to the diverse needs of its pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The Hive offers bespoke learning and pastoral support for a small number of students, ensuring that all pupils can access the curriculum and achieve their potential. The school also prioritizes the wider development of its students, offering a variety of extracurricular activities that promote spiritual, moral, social, and cultural understanding. Events such as Values Days and multicultural celebrations help students develop important life skills and a deep understanding of respect and discrimination.
Staff at All Saints maintain high expectations for pupil behavior and attendance, fostering a positive learning environment. Most students respond well to these expectations, and the school takes appropriate measures to support those who exhibit challenging behavior. Recent changes in leadership and staffing have impacted the pace of curriculum refinement, but governors and trustees remain committed to the school's continuous improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements at All Saints are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and supported. The school is focused on addressing areas for improvement, particularly in aligning activities with intended learning outcomes and enhancing the precision of assessments to identify gaps in knowledge. By providing high-quality professional development for staff, the school aims to ensure that all pupils receive the precise instruction they need to succeed.
Overall, All Saints Church of England Primary School continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a good education for its pupils, with a strong focus on well-being, inclusivity, and academic achievement. The school is dedicated to making ongoing improvements for the benefit of its students, ensuring that they are well-prepared for their future endeavors.
