Maidstone, St Michael's Church of England Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 November 2023

A feeling of community and family permeates St Michael's Junior School, evident in the warm relationships that exist between pupils, staff and parents and carers. Parents say that they 'couldn't recommend this school highly enough' and note how leaders 'bring the best out of every child in their care'. Pupils are proud to attend this school. They know it to be inclusive and welcoming, and they regard one another as members of the family. Staff know their pupils well and have high expectations of pupils' conduct and what they can achieve. Pupils are confident and articulate. They are keen to engage with visitors and explain what makes their school special. They talk with pride about their values of respect, friendship, happiness and perseverance. They know what these mean, and why they matter both in the school and also when they leave and go out into the wider world. In assemblies, the school comes together to share where they have demonstrated these values, talking about 'wow moments' and what they are working on to be even better.

What the school should improve

• The school has identified the small steps of component knowledge and skills in each of their curriculum plans. However, in some subjects there is not yet in place a systematic process for supporting pupils to retain their learning over time. Leaders need to develop systems to support pupils in connecting and revisiting their learning regularly, to support them in retaining this in the longer term.

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