Halfway Houses Primary School, located in Minster-on-Sea, Sheerness, Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on March 12 and 13, 2024. The head of school, Lindsay Fordyce, leads the institution, which is part of The Island Learning Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Debbie Rousell and a board of trustees chaired by Howard Fisher, with Ryan Driver serving as the executive headteacher responsible for the school.
Pupils at Halfway Houses Primary School enjoy their learning experience, benefiting from a well-structured curriculum that promotes achievement. The school emphasizes its core values of resilience, optimism, ambition, and responsibility, known as the ROAR values. Students take pride in embodying these values and demonstrate a strong work ethic. The school maintains high expectations for behavior, with clear rules and rewards that are well understood by the pupils. As a result, students exhibit courteous behavior and maturity, walking sensibly around the school and greeting staff and visitors politely. They have a solid understanding of bullying, recognizing it as rare and knowing how to report it if it occurs. Pupils feel safe and confident in seeking support when needed.
The school encourages student involvement in various aspects of school life, including roles such as school parliament members, sports leaders, and reading buddies. The diverse range of extracurricular clubs is highly valued, and memorable school trips, such as a visit to Leeds Castle, inspire students' aspirations, particularly in history.
Halfway Houses Primary School is dedicated to supporting its pupils and the wider community, providing assistance to families in need through initiatives like a food bank and partnerships with local charities. The school’s curriculum is ambitious and broad, with a clear focus on the knowledge pupils need to acquire from an early age. Learning is designed to build on prior knowledge, with teachers effectively linking new concepts to what students have already learned. The school places a strong emphasis on vocabulary development across all subjects, ensuring that pupils grasp essential terms and concepts.
Pupils achieve well, particularly in writing, where teaching is a notable strength. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and deliver the curriculum effectively. However, there are instances where tasks assigned to pupils in certain subjects do not facilitate optimal learning. The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), with teaching assistants skilled in breaking down learning into manageable parts. Interventions are thoughtfully planned to support those requiring additional help, including early years pupils needing assistance with speech and language development. Nonetheless, some adaptations to learning for SEND pupils could be improved to enhance their understanding of key knowledge and skills.
Reading is a fundamental aspect of the school's provision, with a well-stocked library and various reading resources that foster a love for reading among pupils. The phonics program is effectively implemented, ensuring that students receive the necessary support to develop their reading skills.
The school has established high expectations for behavior and attendance, resulting in a calm and focused classroom environment. Most pupils attend regularly and respond promptly to teachers' instructions, demonstrating positive attitudes toward learning. A small number of pupils, including those with SEND, receive additional support to help them improve their focus and learning.
The school is proactive in preparing pupils for life beyond its walls, teaching them about healthy relationships and safety. Pupils develop an understanding of respect and fundamental British values through assemblies and classroom discussions. The governance structure, including trustees and governors, supports the school's leadership in its ambition for the pupils and community, ensuring a focus on well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at Halfway Houses Primary School are effective, contributing to a safe learning environment. Overall, the school continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a high-quality education and support for its pupils and the community.
