West Hill Primary Academy, located in Dartford, Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 30 and October 1, 2021. The school fosters a positive learning environment where pupils are enthusiastic about their education. Staff maintain high expectations for both academic performance and behavior, which encourages students to take pride in their work and strive for excellence. The school excels particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics, with pupils achieving commendable results in these subjects.
Behavior within the school is consistently good, with pupils demonstrating respect and trust towards adults. They feel secure and are confident that any issues will be addressed promptly. The school has a clear behavior management system that pupils believe effectively supports their understanding of expected conduct. Relationships among students and staff are characterized by warmth and humor, contributing to a happy and safe atmosphere. Pupils are well-informed about safety, including online safety, and know how to seek help if needed.
The ethos of the school, encapsulated in the phrase No limits, only possibilities, is reflected in the carefully designed curriculum. Leaders regularly assess the effectiveness of the curriculum in core subjects, providing valuable feedback to staff. This approach has proven particularly effective in English and mathematics, where regular assessments help identify and address gaps in knowledge, especially following the disruptions caused by the pandemic.
However, the school recognizes the need for improvement in monitoring and supporting teaching in subjects beyond English and mathematics. While the curriculum is well-structured, teachers do not receive consistent feedback on their performance in these areas, which may affect pupil attainment. Although pupils enjoy learning across the wider curriculum, their performance in these subjects does not match their achievements in core areas.
Pupils develop strong foundational skills in mathematics from an early age, with opportunities to explore numbers extensively in Reception Year. As they progress, they become adept at explaining their mathematical reasoning. Similarly, the school's phonics program effectively supports early reading development, ensuring that pupils who require additional help receive timely intervention.
Reading is highly valued at West Hill, with pupils actively participating in initiatives that promote literacy. They take pride in their reading records and engage with various reading programs, which contribute to their expanding vocabulary. The school encourages a culture of respect and inclusivity, with pupils demonstrating maturity and independence in their interactions.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is well-structured, ensuring that their individual needs are met. The school also promotes positive learning behaviors through activities such as gardening and farm trips, which help build resilience and self-esteem.
Staff express satisfaction with the training and support they receive, and the school has taken steps to consider staff workload in its operational practices. The safeguarding measures in place are robust, with thorough training for staff and clear protocols for ensuring pupil safety.
In summary, West Hill Primary Academy is a good school that provides a supportive and effective learning environment. While it excels in core subjects and fosters positive relationships, there is an opportunity to enhance the monitoring and support of teaching in other subjects to ensure all pupils achieve their full potential.
