All Soul’s Church of England Primary School, located in Folkestone, Kent, has recently undergone an inspection, which took place from September 12 to 13, 2023. The school has been rated as good overall, with specific commendations in various areas including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. Notably, the early years provision has been recognized as outstanding. This inspection marks the first evaluation under section five of the Education Act 2005 since the school converted to an academy in April 2019.
The headteacher, Lisa Ransley, leads the school, which is part of The Diocese of Canterbury Academies Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Annie Wiles and a board of trustees chaired by Mike Wetherell. The school has established a positive environment characterized by warm relationships among staff and pupils. High aspirations are shared by all adults for the students, who are motivated to meet these expectations. Parents express strong satisfaction with the school, particularly appreciating the support provided for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Pupil behavior is described as exceptionally calm and orderly, with students demonstrating respect and kindness towards one another. From the youngest in Reception to those in Year 6, pupils engage positively during play and social interactions. They are reflective about their conduct and can articulate the school’s values, which include respect, thankfulness, trust, forgiveness, and friendship. Transitions between lessons are smooth and focused, with pupils eager to learn. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs in performing arts, construction, and sports, which are well-received by the students.
The curriculum is well-structured, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs, are supported in their learning. Staff are knowledgeable and skilled in adapting their teaching methods to meet diverse needs. Effective assessment practices are in place, allowing teachers to gauge pupils’ understanding and address misconceptions promptly. In phonics sessions, staff ensure that children develop the necessary skills to become confident readers. The school has made significant efforts to help pupils retain their learning over the long term, resulting in students being able to connect their knowledge and demonstrate effective progress.
While the school has made strides in supporting attendance, there is room for improvement in analyzing attendance patterns to identify at-risk pupils more effectively. The school’s approach to attendance is personalized, fostering strong relationships with families to address barriers. However, a more strategic overview of attendance trends could enhance the school’s ability to preemptively support students who may struggle with regular attendance.
The early years provision stands out as exceptional, with children quickly adapting to routines and forming friendships. Staff create engaging learning activities that promote both enjoyment and educational growth. The positive relationships between staff and children contribute to a nurturing environment where language and communication skills are developed effectively.
Pupils are educated about the importance of healthy relationships and making safe choices. Assemblies provide opportunities for reflection on values such as tolerance and kindness, which pupils readily embrace. The leadership team shares a unified vision for the school, regularly monitoring the impact of their initiatives. Governors and trustees demonstrate a solid understanding of the school’s needs and provide effective support for ongoing development.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring that pupils’ welfare is prioritized. The inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in the assessment of learning in foundation subjects and the need for robust systems to identify attendance trends. Overall, All Soul’s Church of England Primary School is a thriving educational environment where pupils are supported to achieve their best, fostering a strong sense of community and personal development.
