Graveney Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher and her team have ensured that this is a school where pupils thrive.

The warm family feel and wide range of opportunities help pupils to develop into confident and well-rounded learners. In this way, they are prepared well for the next stages of their education. The curriculum has been adapted well so that pupils develop the skills, knowledge and understanding that they need in an exciting and enjoyable way.

Governors support and challenge school leaders effectively to help secure continued improvement. There are now two separate bodies of governance, which distinguish between the academy trust and governing body. However,... the distinct unique nature of each requires further clarification.

Pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities are supported carefully and effectively. Their needs are met well and they make good progress from their starting points. Most teachers plan lessons which are well matched to pupils' needs.

This has been further strengthened by the recent focus on developing mathematics. Despite this, some of the most able pupils in key stage 2 are not sufficiently challenged by the tasks they are given in mathematics. Phonics is taught effectively.

This helps ensure that pupils get off to a good start with their reading and writing because they are confident in knowing and using the sounds that letters make. There are many opportunities for pupils to write for a range of purposes across the curriculum. This helps to ensure that pupils develop as confident and skilled writers.

However, in lower key stage 2, pupils are not taking enough care with their writing. Pupils are well cared for. They in turn take good care of each other.

Pupils work well together in their classes and enjoy playing together outside of lessons. This means that the school is a happy place. As a result, pupils enjoy coming to school and their attendance is good.

Most parents and carers value highly the care and support provided by the school. However, some parents would like improved communication with the school. Children get off to a good start in the early years.

They are supported well in their learning by a stimulating environment and skilled staff. As a result, they make good progress from their starting points. In this way, they are well prepared for Year 1.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. The school complies with Department for Education guidance on what academies should publish. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

The school is much smaller than the average-sized primary school and serves the village of Graveney and the surrounding area. The proportions of disadvantaged pupils and pupils who have SEN are lower than proportions of pupils seen nationally. Most pupils are White British.

The school converted to become a stand-alone academy school on 1 February 2012. The school has experienced some staffing turbulence in key stage 2. A new teacher has recently been recruited for Years 3 and 4 and will start after Easter.