Charlton Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Throughout the school, there is a very strong emphasis on cooperation and teamwork.

This is evident among the adults and the pupils. Teachers and teaching assistants work well together so that teaching is good and pupils enjoy an interesting and rich curriculum. Children benefit from a strong start in Reception and are ready for key stage 1.

Similarly, older pupils are well prepared for their move into secondary education. Pupils' achievements in reading, writing and mathematics are steadily improving over time and across the school. The quality and presentation of pupils' writing is particularly strong and they rightly demonstrate tremen...dous pride in their work.

Last year, pupils' achievement in mathematics was below average at the end of key stage 2 and not enough pupils achieved the higher level. These aspects are priorities for improvement this year. Current achievement in mathematics, including for the most able, is improving rapidly.

In some age groups, the achievement of disadvantaged pupils is not as good as other pupils in the school. Pupils behave well and have very positive attitudes. They are keen to learn, take responsibility and help to make sure everyone achieves as well as possible.

Nonetheless, too many pupils take time off school and attendance has been below average for the last two years. Senior leaders, and in particular the acting headteacher, have enthusiastically and effectively taken up the reins during the absence of the headteacher. Leaders accurately identify priorities for improvement.

Systems to analyse and evaluate the impact of actions taken to improve are not well developed. The school is outward looking and works well with other schools. There is a strong and successful approach to improving the skills, knowledge and performance of all staff.

Information about this school

Charlton is situated in Dover, Kent. It is an average-sized primary school with one class in each year group. The headteacher is absent due to ill health.

The deputy headteacher is acting headteacher, and the early years leader is acting deputy headteacher. Two other leaders have enhanced responsibilities and have recently become part of the senior leadership team. Most pupils are White British, with a small number of pupils from a range of different ethnic backgrounds.

The proportion who speak English as an additional language is small but growing. The proportion of pupils eligible for additional government funding through the pupil premium is just below the national average. This additional funding is for pupils who are eligible for free school meals or who are looked after by the local authority.

The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities, including those with an education, health and care plan, is broadly average. The school is a sponsored academy and is a member of Aquila, the Diocese of Canterbury Academies Trust. The trust provides overarching school improvement support and governance.

It delegates responsibility for the leadership and management of individual schools to a local governing body. The school also works with a collaboration of other local schools. In 2017, the school met the government's floor standards (minimum standards for pupils' achievement at the end of key stage 2).