Speldhurst Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils love coming to this friendly and welcoming school. They know that staff expect a lot, though give more in return.

Expectations of what pupils can achieve in and out of the classroom are extremely high. Children in Reception think that this is a fun place to be. However, they already know that working hard and learning new things is what school is all about.

Pupils behave very well here. They disapprove of any interruption to their studies, including by visitors who ask them questions when they are concentrating on their work. They feel safe in the school's nurturing environment, including being confident to make mistakes.

As a result, classrooms are ha...ppy places where pupils grow in confidence and are hungry to discover new things.

Everyone is expected to try hard here, then try again if things are not quite right the first time. Pupils know that staff are always there to help.

This might be when their friendships are strained, but also when solving mathematical problems or during rehearsals with the orchestra. Consequently, pupils from different backgrounds thrive and achieve very well together across the curriculum, including as budding artists, musicians and scientists.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

This is a school where aspirations are high and where hard work and achievement are celebrated.

Pupils themselves aspire to be the best they can be. Their school's curriculum is rich in opportunities to learn and carefully crafted to open their eyes to the world around them. Because of this, pupils' conduct and attitudes to school are excellent.

This is not just because they understand the rules, but because school excites them and provides a myriad of exciting opportunities to make friends and to try new things.

Pupils' personal development is promoted very well here. They have an age-appropriate understanding of diversity, different cultures and lifestyles.

They know about different faiths. They understand both the dangers and the advantages that social media and the internet might bring to their lives. Pupils know about the importance of exercise and healthy lifestyles.

Sport has a high profile, as do the arts. Drama and music, including an impressive orchestra with a repertoire that includes Rossini and Coldplay, promote character and nurture pupils' talents.

Pupils' social and emotional needs are also given the highest priority.

The school's caring ethos, underpinned by its values, impacts positively on pupils' well-being and resilience. Pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds do equally as well as their peers. Their achievements by the end of Year 6 are impressive.

Those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) flourish. Their needs are carefully identified and understood. Importantly, staff have equally high expectations of what pupils with SEND can achieve, while offering tailored support to enable success.

Reading sits at the heart of learning in the school. Staff deliver the phonics programme expertly. Children in early years get off to a flying start because carefully chosen books, rhymes and songs enthuse them.

They want to read. They want to write. Most do so with growing confidence.

Those few pupils across the school who struggle to read confidently are identified quickly and supported successfully by experienced and expert staff. They become even more enthusiastic about books on their journey to become fluent readers, because staff make interventions enjoyable and not a burden to be endured.

Staff are knowledgeable and mostly very experienced.

Those few who are relatively new to the school or to teaching are supported well by a comprehensive programme of professional development, which impacts positively on classroom practice. This supports staff to be highly consistent in their teaching and their checks of pupils' understanding. Their collegiate work in designing and delivering the school's curriculum is also a key element of the school's success.

Purposeful partnerships with other local schools also bring benefits when staff are looking for the additional inspiration to maintain excellence over time.

The school is constantly revising elements of the curriculum, ensuring it flows smoothly from Reception into Year 1 and beyond. Teachers have a clear understanding of what pupils should already know and understand, not just in English and mathematics.

The impact of this is clear to see from Reception through to Year 6. Truly inspirational artwork adorns the school. Pupils love physical education (PE), including the additional enrichment opportunities provided before, during and after school.

Girls talk enthusiastically about the kickboxing club. Other pupils cannot wait for the weather to improve so that the climbing wall becomes more readily available.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.