Westcourt Primary School, located in Gravesend, Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 26-27, 2019. The school is characterized by a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where pupils feel happy and valued. The positive relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a supportive learning environment. Parents and carers appreciate the care and kindness exhibited by the headteacher and staff, who serve as excellent role models for the children. This nurturing environment fosters cooperation among pupils, who work and play well together.
The leadership team, including the headteacher and senior leaders, maintains high expectations for all pupils. They are dedicated to ensuring that every child is encouraged to reach their full potential. Feedback from parents indicates that children feel important and valued within the school community. Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning, actively listening to their teachers and peers, and are confident in trying new things without fear of making mistakes. The school environment is calm and orderly, with pupils exhibiting good behavior both in lessons and throughout the school. They feel safe and well cared for, with a strong belief that any issues, including bullying, would be addressed promptly by staff.
Westcourt Primary School excels in providing a rich educational experience across various subjects. The curriculum is well-organized, allowing teachers to effectively plan lessons that promote strong learning outcomes. While pupils enjoy the challenges presented to them, there are instances where some find the work too easy. Leaders are aware of this and are committed to ensuring that the most able pupils are sufficiently challenged to achieve higher standards. Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is effective, ensuring they have equal opportunities to learn.
Teachers play a crucial role in building pupils' confidence, and students take pride in their achievements. For instance, pupils express pride in mastering their times tables and understanding geographical concepts. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with a well-structured phonics program that begins in the nursery. Children are encouraged to develop a love for reading from an early age, and this enthusiasm continues as they progress through the school. Pupils recognize the importance of reading in enhancing their writing and vocabulary skills.
Respect and tolerance are core values at Westcourt Primary School. Pupils understand and appreciate the diverse needs of their peers, fostering an inclusive environment. The school enriches pupils' lives through various visitors and trips, which help broaden their horizons and raise aspirations. Staff work collaboratively as a supportive team, with leaders prioritizing their well-being and workload management.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring that the safety of pupils is a top priority. Staff are well-trained and aware of the procedures to follow if concerns arise. While attendance has improved, it remains above the national average, and leaders are focused on further enhancing attendance rates.
To continue improving, the school needs to ensure that the expectations for the most able pupils are consistently high and that strategies to help pupils retain knowledge are strengthened across all classes. By addressing these areas, Westcourt Primary School can further enhance its educational offerings and support for all pupils.
