Snodland CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Pupils' behaviour is exemplary and they feel very safe.

They really enjoy school and are extremely keen to learn. Attendance is above average for all groups of pupils. Progress is good throughout the school and pupils achieve above average standards by the time they leave in Year 6.

From their starting points, pupils make particularly good progress in reading and mathematics. Those pupils with disabilities and those with special educational needs make especially good progress. This is because of the highly effective support they receive from staff and work that is closely matched to their needs.

The quality of teaching and learni...ng is at least good. Teachers are very skilled at helping pupils to improve their work through their oral and written feedback. They use new technology effectively to make learning interesting and fun for the pupils.

The excellent leadership of the acting headteacher, very well supported by the acting deputy headteacher, has ensured the school has continued to move forward during a period of staff changes. They have very successfully encouraged a 'can do' spirit amongst staff. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Pupils do not make the same progress, or reach the same levels, in writing as they do in reading and mathematics.

Not enough teaching is outstanding. Some differences remain in the quality of teaching in some classes and lessons. Teachers miss the chance to make sure pupils in each ability group know just what they are expected to achieve in each lesson.

In some literacy lessons, particularly those teaching how to link sounds and letters (phonics), pupils are not involved quickly enough in activities that are closely matched to their abilities. At other times pupils, especially the most able, are not always moved on quickly enough during lessons to more challenging work. This hinders their progress.

Information about this school

This is a larger than average primary school. Over the past year, there have been a number of staff changes as well as changes to the leadership team. The acting headteacher has been in post since September 2011.

A number of governors, including the chair of the governing body, are also new to their roles. A large majority of the pupils come from a White British background. Others are from a range of minority ethnic backgrounds.

The proportion of pupils receiving the pupil premium is above average. The pupil premium is extra money given to schools by the government to support, amongst others, pupils who receive or have received free school meals. The proportion of pupils who are disabled or have special educational needs and receive support at school action, school action plus or have a statement of special educational needs is above average.

There are two classes in each year group, except for Years 4, 5 and 6. Currently pupils here are taught in three mixed Year 4 and 5 classes and one Year 6 class. The school exceeds the current government's floor target, which sets the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

Also at this postcode