St Laurence In Thanet Church of England Junior Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher provides strong and ambitious leadership.

She knows the school well and together with senior leaders has been effective in ensuring that teaching and outcomes are now good. Subject leaders are knowledgeable. They have correctly identified the strengths and areas for development in their subjects.

Pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities, make good progress, especially in reading and mathematics. Teaching has improved since the previous inspection. Teachers plan interesting lessons that capture pupils' imagination.

Pupils are adept at solving pro...blems and explaining their answers in mathematics. Teachers plan lessons that challenge pupils well. Some questioning by staff challenges pupils effectively.

However, the quality of questioning varies, and learning slows as a result. There are times when tasks do not consistently stretch pupils fully in their learning, especially the higher-attaining pupils. Pupils' writing in subjects other than English is limited, and expectations of pupils' presentation are not high enough.

The strong relationships between staff and pupils are a strength of the school and have a very positive impact on the pupils' learning and behaviour. Pupils' personal development is good. Pupils are polite, well behaved and are respectful to one another.

Safeguarding is effective, and pupils' welfare needs are well met due to the conscientious work of staff, leaders and trustees. Trustees ensure that the school uses effectively the additional funding for pupils who are disadvantaged and those who have SEN and/or disabilities. They hold senior leaders to account robustly.

Information about this school

St Laurence In Thanet Church of England Junior Academy is an average-sized junior school. Pupils are taught in two classes in each year group. There is a breakfast club and an after-school club, which are managed by the school.

A very large majority of pupils are White British. The proportion of pupils eligible for pupil premium funding is much higher than the national average. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is close to average.

The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment in English and mathematics. The school works very closely with its sponsor, the Diocese of Canterbury. The school also works closely with the Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Ethos, School Improvement Company and the Ramsgate Achievement Partnership.