Temple Hill Primary Academy, located in Dartford, Kent, has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection in June 2019. The leadership team, including the headteacher, trustees, and governors, demonstrates a strong commitment to improving educational standards and ensuring high aspirations for all pupils. The school has made significant progress since its conversion to academy status in 2016, particularly in teaching, learning, and assessment. The headteacher's strong leadership is complemented by effective support from senior leaders, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
The quality of teaching is good, with teachers exhibiting strong subject knowledge and effective planning. Lessons are well-structured, catering for the diverse needs of pupils. While current pupils are making strong progress in writing and mathematics, reading progress still lags behind. The curriculum is broad and balanced, providing pupils with a well-rounded education. The school has implemented effective monitoring systems to assess teaching quality, and high-quality training is provided for staff to enhance their skills.
Pupils at Temple Hill Primary Academy are described as happy, confident, and well-behaved. They demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning and show respect for their peers and teachers. The school has established strong pastoral systems that ensure pupils feel safe and supported. The school promotes personal development effectively, with a focus on values such as respect, responsibility, and equality. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on these values in their lessons, contributing to their understanding of diversity and inclusion.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong culture of safety within the school. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding practices, and there are effective procedures for reporting concerns. However, the inspection highlighted the need for more detailed risk assessments for external trips to ensure comprehensive safety measures are in place.
Despite the overall positive outcomes, the school faces challenges in improving reading progress, particularly for disadvantaged pupils. Attendance rates have improved but remain below the national average, with persistent absence being a concern, especially among disadvantaged pupils. The school is actively working to address these issues through various strategies aimed at enhancing attendance and reducing the number of pupils who are persistently absent.
The early years provision is also rated as good, with strong leadership and effective teaching practices. Children make good progress from their starting points, benefiting from engaging activities that promote independent play and formal learning. The school environment supports children's development, and they are well-prepared for the transition to key stage one.
In summary, Temple Hill Primary Academy is a good school with effective leadership, quality teaching, and a supportive environment for pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in reading progress and attendance, the school is committed to addressing these challenges and continuing to enhance the educational experience for all its pupils. The positive feedback from parents and the strong sense of community within the school further contribute to its reputation as a nurturing and effective educational institution.
