The ‘happy’ Orpington school with ‘ family centred approach at the heart of its work’

St Paul’s Cray Church of England Primary School, based on Buttermere Road, was inspected not long before the school broke up for summer on July 11 and 12.

Inspectors evaluated the school as good in all areas: Quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years development.

St Paul’s Cray joined the Amadeus Primary Academy trust in March 2019 and leaders have said that they have worked tirelessly to make improvements following their previous requires improvement judgements in 2013 and 2016.

Ofsted stated that “leaders know their school well” and “ensure that pupils follow a broad and balanced curriculum”.

Pupils from St Paul’s Cray CE Primary School (Image: St Paul’s Cray CE school rated good by Ofsted)

The school has a warm, “calm” and welcoming environment where all staff are committed to supporting every child in their care.

Ofsted stated that “staff work together to help pupils to achieve well”.

Inspectors found that leaders here know the school well and have prioritised the right actions following the pandemic.

Pupils here are introduced to reading at an early stage in nursery and build on this in years to come.

Leaders make sure that pupils, including those with SEND, receive the support they need to become fluent readers and make sure to promote a love of reading across the school.

At St Paul’s Cray, Ofsted found that staff work to help pupils become “independent and resilient learners”.

Inspectors found that the school works well with external agencies to teach pupils about a range of safety related topics such as grooming and both online and road safety.

However, inspectors added that leaders acknowledge the fact that the range of clubs and activities available, including those to develop and stretch individual talents and interests, are too limited.

Another suggestion Ofsted had for improvement at the school, was to make some of the content pupils learn here more ambitious.

Trustees and the local governing board provide a balance of support and challenge to leaders of the school, according to Ofsted.

Staff told Ofsted that they feel supported and know that leaders fully consider the impact on staff when they make decisions.

They were very positive about working at St Paul’s Cray.