Chiddingstone Church of England School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Pupils are excellent ambassadors for their school, of which they, staff, governors and parents are justifiably very proud. Pupils are well-rounded individuals who really enjoy learning and are happy, confident and excited by all their experiences at school.

This is reflected in their above-average attendance. The headteacher provides excellent leadership for the school. She is very well supported by leaders at all levels, and by the governors.

This contributes very effectively to the school's continuing improvement. All leaders and staff, including governors, are strongly committed to meeting the academic and personal needs and a...spirations of every pupil. Outstanding teaching and a rich, vibrant and innovative curriculum inspire and motivate pupils to become independent and resourceful learners.

All groups of pupils make outstanding progress from their starting points. By the time they leave the school, attainment is significantly above national levels and pupils, including disabled pupils and those with special educational needs, achieve exceptionally well. Children make an outstanding start to school in the early years because of excellent teaching, care and leadership.

The Christian ethos of the school, the well-established links with the neighbouring church, and the rich and stimulating curriculum make an outstanding contribution to pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Pupils' behaviour is outstanding. They are very friendly and polite and considerate and caring towards others.

Outstanding safety arrangements ensure that pupils feel safe and are extremely well looked after. Governors have an excellent knowledge of the school. They are highly ambitious for the school and hold leaders to account for their work.

They have made sure that they have the skills and information to do this very effectively.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average-sized primary school. Most pupils are of White British heritage.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is below average. The proportion of pupils who are supported by the pupil premium is well below average. The pupil premium is additional government funding for disadvantaged pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and for children who are looked after.

In 2014 there were no disadvantaged pupils in Year 6. The school meets the current government floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics. Provision is made for the early years in a Reception class which children attend full time.

The school provides a daily breakfast and after-school club for its own pupils. Chiddingstone Church of England School converted to become an academy school on 1 December 2011. When its predecessor school, Chiddingstone Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, was last inspected by Ofsted it was judged to be outstanding overall.