Staplehurst School

Overview

Staplehurst School is described as a "friendly place" where leaders have "successfully brought about much-needed change" and "raised standards and expectations in all areas." The report highlights a strong culture of positivity, with pupils demonstrating respect and pride in their achievements, while noting that the school has "strengthened significantly" under its current leadership team.

Strengths

• The curriculum in reading, mathematics, history, and geography is "carefully considered," with pupils "impressively demonstrate[ing] the knowledge that they have learned and remembered."
• Staff are "skilled at teaching pupils to read," ensuring most learn to read "quickly and fluently" through effective phonics instruction and monitoring.
• The school is "highly inclusive," with provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) "managed well" and appropriate support put in place quickly.
• There is a "strong spirit of camaraderie and teamwork" among staff, who appreciate the "transformative difference" made by the headteacher.
• Pupils feel safe, with bullying being "rare" and adults being "quick to help pupils understand the consequences of any poor behaviour."

Areas to improve

• In some foundation subjects, the specific knowledge pupils need to learn and the order of teaching are "not precisely identified from Reception to Year 6." Leaders should continue their planned work to review these subjects and identify important knowledge.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with a "culture of care and vigilance" ensuring staff know pupils well and are appropriately trained to keep them safe.