Lynsted and Norton Primary School, near Teynham, praised by Oftsed

An “inclusive” primary school has been praised by Ofsted after turning itself around over the past four years.

Lynsted and Norton Primary School, near Teynham, was rated as “Inadequate” by the independent watchdog in 2021.

Inspectors had previously said leaders needed to “urgently establish a logical, coherent and sequentially planned curriculum”.

Its rating was then upgraded to “Requires Improvement” in 2023 after making “significant” improvements thanks to new leadership.

In its latest inspection, which took place on July 8 and July 9, the school was rated as “Good” in the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management categories.

It was rated as “Outstanding” in its early years provision.

Inspectors say there is a “strong sense of community” at the “small, inclusive school”, and that pupils are well looked after by “kind and caring staff”.

It states: “The school’s values of ambition, self-confidence, perseverance, independence, respect, and enquiry are important to the pupils.

“They aspire to apply these in their daily lives. They work hard in lessons and are keen to share their learning.”

Children are also taught how to keep safe online, have opportunities to learn outside the classroom through trips and workshops, and in the forest area at the site.

Inspectors say pupils feel safe and the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The school’s “ambitious curriculum” has also been praised, and most pupils are achieving well.

The report states: “The early years curriculum is exceptionally well planned.

“What children need to learn has been broken down sequentially. Staff know every child extremely well.

“Staff skillfully create opportunities for children to learn and practice important knowledge and skills.”

The school was also found to quickly identify the individual needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Children at the school learn about different cultures, beliefs, and festivals and are respectful of people from different backgrounds.

Attendance is also closely monitored by staff, and absence, while high, is decreasing.

It has also created therapeutic classrooms, which aim to create an environment that reduces stress for pupils, particularly those with sensory processing differences.

In terms of improvement, inspectors say the school needs to ensure gaps in pupils’ knowledge are addressed.

The primary school, in Lynsted Lane, is part of Our Community Multi Academy Trust (OCMAT) and has 59 pupils.

Executive head teacher, Georgina Ingram, said: “We are incredibly proud of our early years team and the whole school community.

“The Outstanding rating recognises the hard work, passion, and commitment of our staff, and the support of our families.

“Our youngest learners are given the best possible start to their education.

“The ratings across the wider school reflect our strong curriculum, pupils’ positive behaviour, and effective leadership.

“We are very proud of the achievements”.

‘This is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when schools and the Trust unconditionally collaborate to support and improve children’s learning and wellbeing...’

CEO of OCMAT, David Whitehead, added: “We are immensely proud of the children, staff, and governors at Lynsted and Norton Primary School for this outstanding early years achievement, and the consistently good ratings across other key areas.

“Going from an inadequate judgement four years ago to this wonderful outcome is a testament to the drive and determination of leaders within the Trust coupled with the shared commitment to the vision from leaders and staff within the school.

“This is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when schools and the Trust unconditionally collaborate to support and improve children’s learning and wellbeing”.