Temple Hill Primary Academy in Dartford has been praised by Ofsted for being a “friendly and inclusive school” where pupils “value their education” and “aspire to do well”.
The Ofsted inspectors judged the academy, which is part of The Golden Thread Alliance Trust, to be Good across the board, maintaining the high standards identified in its previous inspection.
In the report, Ofsted highlighted the academy’s high expectations for pupils’ learning and how staff are united in their determination for pupils to be successful learners. Inspectors also emphasised the “careful attention” that has gone into creating a curriculum “that excites pupils and reflects the diversity of the school”.
Reflecting the trust-wide focus on inclusion and respect, the report notes that pupils have a “keen sense of the importance of equality” and “are interested and respectful about each other’s lives and beliefs”.
The full report can be found here. Some of the key positives included:
· The academy serves and supports pupils and their families well with feedback from parents and carers of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) saying that the school does all it can to ensure pupils are happy and successful.
· The academy ensures that all pupil learning is sequenced, making sure to address any gaps in pupils’ knowledge as a result of missed learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
· Staff take every opportunity to encourage early years children to learn and use new words or to ask and answer questions to develop their confidence in speaking.
· As part of the school’s efforts to ensure all pupils learn to read as early as possible, staff teach phonics well with their skill and expertise making a real and positive difference to pupils’ learning.
· Pupils with SEND are identified quickly. Teachers make appropriate adaptations so that pupils with SEND learn successfully.
· The new behaviour policy inspires pupils to behave well and they are motivated by the points and rewards they earn for demonstrating the schools values.
· Pupils’ attendance is improving as the academy works closely with parents to identify and address barriers to pupils regularly coming to school.
· Pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities in addition to the personal development curriculum provision for example, all pupils enjoy a visit to London, receive visits from a range of professional to raise career awareness and aspirations and have the chance to be involved in local charitable projects.
· Staff feel involved and considered in important decisions which helps to ensure improvements are appropriate and considerate of their workload.
· The trust works closely and effectively with local governors and school leaders, all united in their commitment to ensuring that Temple Hill continues to strive for the very best for its pupils.
A commitment to the trust’s Golden Thread values of Respect, Equality, Courage, Integrity, Ambition, Kindness and Responsibility which are at the heart of everything done at Temple Hill. Building on this positive report and its core values, the academy is determined to continue to create a nurturing and stimulating environment in which every child can thrive and reach their full potential.
Leon Dawson, Headteacher at Temple Hill Primary Academy, said:
“It is an honour to lead this exceptional school and serve our incredible community of children, families and staff team. I could not be prouder of the intelligent hard work that happens every day throughout the school. It was a joy to share what we do with an Ofsted team who took a listen-first approach and I felt they really understood exactly why and how we deliver the best possible educational experience for our pupils.”
“Our children know they belong here and that they come to school to learn and to gain the best chance at success in life. The school team, and those who work to support us through our trust, deserve all the credit for the success clearly recognised in this glowing report.”
Garry Ratcliffe, CEO at The Golden Thread Alliance, said:
“I would like to congratulate Leon and all the staff at Temple Hill following this excellent report from Ofsted. The comments made by inspectors are deeply deserved and reflect the hard work and commitment of the whole team.”
“Everyone at the academy embodies our Golden values in everything they do, with staff demonstrating the importance of setting high expectations for our pupils in all aspects of their learning and development”.