Aldington Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 February 2024

Pupils are proud to attend this school and talk eagerly about the things that make it special. They learn to love nature and the outdoors, developing character and resilience in the forest school. As one pupil put it: 'The best things about this school are friendships and being surrounded by nature.' They relish being school councillors, house captains and reading buddies. Pupils know there is always someone who will help them sort out any worries. This nurturing ethos protects pupils and makes them feel safe. Pupils behave consistently well and apply themselves diligently to their learning. They feel valued and included, knowing the staff want everyone to achieve their best. They are well supported to aim for the high academic and personal expectations staff have of them. Right from the Reception Year, pupils develop independence and confidence. The school provides an extensive range of curriculum visits and extra-curricular opportunities. Pupils frequently learn through trips to the local woodlands and the village. In clubs before and after school, pupils are actively encouraged to try out a new sport, learn how to care for animals and play tabletop battle games together. This helps to build relationships and develop pupils' characters exceptionally well.

What the school should improve

• In subjects where the curriculum is new, teachers are still becoming familiar with the precise knowledge that needs to be taught. In these subjects, pupils have some gaps in their learning, which makes it difficult for them to access future learning successfully. The school should ensure that staff deliver the new curriculum with confidence, identifying and addressing gaps in pupils' prior knowledge.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)