Sholden Church of England Primary School, located in Deal, Kent, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy in April 2019. The inspection, conducted on June 13 and 14, 2023, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has a strong emphasis on its core values of courage, forgiveness, kindness, peace, and love, which are evident in the positive experiences shared by pupils. They express pride in their roles as buddies, council members, and prefects, highlighting a strong sense of responsibility and community.
The curriculum is well-structured, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive a comprehensive education. The school has effectively mapped out the knowledge required across subjects, particularly in mathematics and early reading, where precise teaching methods have led to good pupil achievement. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in some foundation subjects where the small steps of knowledge have not been as clearly defined, occasionally leading to less effective lesson activities.
Pupils demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning, engaging actively in lessons within a calm and orderly environment. The school promotes a love of reading, with well-utilized library resources and reading corners in classrooms. Early reading is taught effectively, with targeted sessions to support individual needs, fostering fluency and confidence among young readers. Teachers continuously assess pupils' understanding in reading and mathematics, allowing for timely interventions when misunderstandings arise. In contrast, assessment practices in other foundation subjects need to be more systematic to ensure that teachers have a clear understanding of pupils' long-term retention of knowledge.
The school has established a strong culture of safeguarding, with staff receiving regular training to identify and address any concerns regarding pupil safety. Leaders maintain detailed records of concerns and collaborate effectively with external agencies when necessary. The governing body is actively involved in safeguarding oversight, ensuring that leaders are held accountable for their responsibilities.
Leaders are committed to the holistic development of pupils, providing a range of extracurricular activities and trips that enhance learning experiences. Recent trips to a castle and a mining museum, along with a residential trip, have been well-received by pupils, who appreciate the opportunities to work collaboratively and solve problems together. The school is also focused on engaging with parents and carers, particularly through initiatives like SEND coffee mornings, which foster communication and support for families.
Overall, Sholden Church of England Primary School is a nurturing environment where pupils feel safe and valued. The leadership team is proactive in identifying areas for development and works collaboratively with governors and the trust to evaluate the impact of their actions. While the school has many strengths, particularly in its curriculum design and commitment to pupil welfare, there is a need to enhance assessment practices in foundation subjects to ensure a comprehensive understanding of pupil progress. The school is well-positioned to continue its positive trajectory, fostering a love of learning and a strong sense of community among its pupils.
