The Stour Academy Trust are celebrating the results of the first ever Ofsted inspection of Chilmington Green Primary School, where it received an overall rating of ‘Good’ with an ‘Outstanding’ in its Early years provision.
Having opened at a temporary site on Jemmett Road in 2018, the school entered it permanent home on the Chilmington Green development in November 2021 as a well-established primary school. Currently with over 200 pupils, this official recognition of the schools dedication to providing an high quality education for its children, especially in the Early years, will cement Chilmington Green Primary School as the flagship institution of its growing community.
Head of School, Claire Foreman (Left) and Executive Headteacher, Stella Schâringer (Right) with pupils.
The report praised, amongst many other areas, the inclusive nature of the school, its expertise in SEND, the strong start children receive in the Early years and the innovative use of technology:
“This is a happy, nurturing and inclusive school.”
“Pupils welcome visitors with a smile, showing kindness, politeness and respect.”
“Pupils meet leaders’ high expectations for behaviour in lessons, listening well and working hard.”
“Pupils feel safe and can always talk to staff about worries.”
“Staff have high aspirations for all pupils in this caring school.”
“Leaders and trustees ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow.”
“The school has particular expertise for supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).”
“Reading is celebrated throughout the school. Pupils love books, including those who need extra help. No pupil is left behind, when it comes to learning to read.”
“Many pupils appreciate the diversity of their reading material; they see themselves in books, as staff ensure that different cultures are well-represented.”
“Technology is used with innovation in this school. Pupils record and present their work digitally, preparing them for future employment.”
“Trustees and leaders lead by example in their tireless commitment to meet the needs of all pupils.”
Parents and the local community can take great confidence in knowing that the local primary school will give children a strong start to their education.
With an on-site school nursery, Chilmington Green’s ability to develop strong early reading skills in children were praised .
“Beginning with excellent practice in nursery and early years, children learn sounds to develop strong early reading skills. Staff are well-trained to teach phonics, and pupils enjoy plenty of practice to master their sounds.”
“Opportunities are particularly rich in nursery and early years, with the youngest children learning number skills with enthusiasm.”
Claire Foreman, Head of School:
Chilmington Green Primary School has been on a transformational journey since opening in 2018. The team are dedicated to providing our children and families with an educational experience that is second to none and this is reflected in the outcome of our Ofsted inspection. Our ever-growing community are committed to continual development to provide the highest quality of education and support for our young people and are proud of the achievements of the school so far.
The report identifies Chilmington Green as a ‘happy, nurturing and inclusive’ school, recognising the commitment and relentless approach of all staff to ensuring we celebrate diversity and have high aspirations for all.
We are excited by the next stage in the school’s journey and building on this firm foundation.
Stella Schâringer, Executive Headteacer:
We are so very proud of this wonderful achievement for our school community. It is a real testament to the amazing work of our children, the hard work of all of our staff and the fantastic support of our parents, carers and the wider community. The high expectations highlighted in the report drive our staff team to continually develop Chilmington Green Primary School to ensure that it is a ‘happy, nurturing and inclusive school’ for all children.
Chilmington Green Primary School is currently operating as a one form entry school for children of primary age (4–11-year-olds), with the exception of Year 1 and Reception, which allow two forms of entry, allowing for 60 Year R pupils to join the school each year. The school also has a dedicated nursery with space for up to 26 nursery aged children (2, 3 and 4-year-olds) per session and also includes a Specialist Resource Provision for up to 14 pupils who have an Education Health Care Plan for Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
Early Birds Nursery currently has spaces available, see www.earlybirdsnurseryatchilmingtongreen.co.uk for more information.
You can read the full report on Chilmington Green’s website.
