Ofsted praises children’s “exceptional attitude to learning” at Reculver Church of England Primary School

The school inspectorate Ofsted has heaped praise on Reculver Church of England Primary School for its happy atmosphere and children’s “exceptional attitude to learning”.

In a report just published, inspectors said pupils “thrive” at Reculver Church of England Primary School in Herne Bay and that its “highly ambitious” teachers ensure children have a “rich understanding of the content they learn”.

Ofsted said pupils “are well prepared for their next steps” and “enjoy school”. The inspectors lauded the “high-quality pastoral support” and praised how pupils who need additional support are quickly identified and helped.

“Pupils have exceptional attitudes to learning,” the report says. “They listen intently and work hard in lessons. Teachers know the pupils who require additional help to behave well. Staff ensure these pupils have the skills and strategies they need.”

Until this September, Ofsted gave graded judgments to schools and Reculver has previously received the top rating - outstanding. Schools no longer receive a graded judgment, but inspectors said that the school “had maintained the standards identified at the previous inspection”.

Reculver is part of Aquila, the Diocese of Canterbury Academies Trust, which is a family of 16 primary schools across Kent.

The school has recently finished building new early years classrooms and has worked hard to develop a successful Special Resource Provision, which helps children with special educational needs.

Stella Collins, Reculver’s Headteacher, said: “We are a happy school where all children, their families, staff and other adults work together. We are rightly proud of our school and are always aiming ever higher to ensure the best for every child - it’s excellent that Ofsted has recognised this.

“I feel privileged to be leading this school and working with such a motivated and talented group of staff and governors.”

Annie Wiles, Chief Executive of Aquila, said: “Anyone who has visited Reculver will know just how wonderful this school is. It is inspirational to see the hard work, dedication and expertise of the staff.”

The Ofsted report can be found here: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50264879