St Paul’s Cray Church of England Primary School, located in Orpington, Kent, has recently undergone an inspection that resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on July 11 and 12, 2023, and it marked the first routine inspection since the school became an academy in March 2019. The school is part of the Amadeus Primary Academies Trust and serves children aged 2 to 11 years.
The school is characterized by a supportive and family-centered approach, fostering positive relationships between staff, parents, and pupils. Leaders are committed to ensuring that all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive the necessary support to thrive academically and socially. The early years provision is particularly noted for helping children develop confidence in their speaking and listening skills.
Behaviour at the school is reported to be good, with high expectations set by the leadership team. Recent changes to the behaviour policy have contributed to a positive atmosphere where pupils feel safe and well-supported. The school offers a variety of experiences to enrich pupils' understanding of the world, including educational trips and events that celebrate diversity and mental health awareness.
Leaders have effectively prioritized actions to address challenges faced by pupils, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have focused on supporting pupils in catching up with their reading, writing, and mathematics. However, some curriculum improvements in subjects like art have been slower to develop due to the emphasis on these areas.
The school has implemented a structured approach to early reading, beginning in Nursery and continuing with daily phonics sessions. While most pupils receive adequate support to become fluent readers, there are instances where the practice of phonics could be improved, particularly during reading sessions. The curriculum is broad and balanced, with ambitious content in subjects like modern foreign languages, where pupils demonstrate strong knowledge and skills.
Despite the strengths, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, the curriculum lacks ambition and clarity, which affects pupils' ability to build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills. Leaders are encouraged to review and refine the curriculum in these areas to ensure that all subjects meet high standards. Additionally, the support for weaker readers needs to be more effective, particularly in how staff listen to and assist pupils during reading activities.
The range of extracurricular activities available to pupils is also limited, which restricts opportunities for them to explore and develop their individual talents and interests. Leaders are advised to enhance the extracurricular offerings to engage more pupils in diverse activities.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff taking their responsibilities seriously and responding promptly to concerns. Pupils feel safe and supported, with various adults available to assist them with emotional well-being.
Overall, St Paul’s Cray Church of England Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a good quality of education and fostering a supportive environment for its pupils. The leadership team is well-informed about the school’s strengths and areas for development, and they are actively working to ensure continuous improvement in the educational experience offered to all students.
