Lower Halstow Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The executive headteacher leads and manages the school effectively. The head of school and other leaders support her well.

Teaching is typically good. Teachers plan purposeful lessons so that pupils learn well. The curriculum provides pupils with a range of interesting and exciting learning opportunities.

Governors challenge and support leaders effectively. They know the school well and check that actions bring improvements in the quality of teaching and pupils' achievement. Disadvantaged pupils do well in most subjects, due to the effective monitoring, support and guidance they receive.

Pupils with special educational needs and/...or disabilities (SEND) make good progress because of the well-planned support they receive. Pupils behave well in lessons, around the school and in the playground. They feel safe and happy and are well looked after.

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is developed very well. Through lessons and assemblies, pupils talk about how they can show care and respect for others. Pupils' personal development and welfare are good.

Staff are particularly good at helping pupils develop secure relationships. Staff say they are proud to be part of the school community and show great commitment to tackling the issues identified by the new executive headteacher. Parents are supportive of the work the school does.

They appreciate the opportunities that the school provides for the children. The majority of pupils are making good progress from their starting points, but their progress in mathematics in key stage 2 has not been as strong as in other subjects, as pupils do not deepen their understanding of mathematical ideas. Some of the most able pupils are not making as much progress as they could in mathematics.

The work of some middle leaders is underdeveloped. Some are new to their roles and have not had time to lead improvements in the quality of teaching in their subjects. Children in the early years make good progress from their starting points.

The early years outdoor provision needs further development to ensure that more children make accelerated progress in writing and mathematics.

Information about this school

This is a smaller than average-sized primary school. There have been a considerable number of staff changes since the school was last inspected.

The executive headteacher took up post in September 2018 and the all of the teachers joined the school within the last 18 months. The school is in a federation with Newington Church of England School, which is led by the executive headteacher. Each school has a head of school and both schools work closely together.

Pupils are taught in six classes. Reception children attend full time in a single class. Years 1, 2 and 6 are taught in a single year group class.

There are combined classes for Years 3 and 4, and Years 4 and 5. Most pupils are White British. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below the national average.

The proportion of pupils with SEND is above average. The proportion with education, health and care plans is in line with the average. The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium funding is below average.

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