Thanet Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 27 April 2022

Pupils enjoy coming to school. The school's core values of respect, honesty, friendship, kindness and responsibility run throughout the school. These values create a welcoming and friendly school. Pupils treat one another with respect and care. They are kind and helpful to each other. Some pupils take on ambassador roles, taking care of their peers during breaktimes if they are lonely. Staff and pupils have positive relationships. Pupils feel safe and happy in school. Pupils turn to adults, especially members of the well-being team, if they feel upset or worried. They say that bullying and acts of unkindness are rare. Parents and carers and those who responded to Ofsted Parent View, Ofsted's online survey, reported that their children feel safe at school. Many parents reported how approachable staff are. Senior leaders greet parents and their children each morning on the playground. However, a small minority of parents are less positive. They expressed concerns about the effectiveness of communications with the school. Teachers have high expectations of pupils. Pupils are expected to behave well and do so. Pupils behave well during lessons and at breaktimes. Lessons flow smoothly because pupils try their best and display positive attitudes to learning.

What the school should improve

• Leaders are implementing and reviewing a newly developed curriculum for subjects other than English and mathematics. Some curriculum plans are not firmly embedded and have had insufficient time to enhance pupils' learning. Leaders should continue to support teachers to ensure that the revised curriculum is implemented well to build on pupils' prior learning and expand their knowledge base.
• Curriculum leaders work well together across the school and the trust to improve their subjects effectively as part of a redesigned curriculum. However, some curriculum leaders are at the early stages of knowing how well their subject is implemented, especially in early years. Curriculum leaders should work more closely with early years staff to build up their knowledge and strengthen curriculum links between early years and key stages 1 and 2.
• Most parents are happy and pleased with how the school teaches and cares for their children. However, a small minority of parents expressed concerns about communication and how their concerns are dealt with by the school. Leaders should explore further methods to communicate with parents and swiftly address any concerns that they may have.

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