Education watchdogs have praised staff at a school for their “high expectations” and for supporting pupils to feel “safe and happy”.

Fleetdown Primary Academy, in Dartford, was rated “good” by Ofsted across the board in its first inspection since becoming an academy in 2021.

The school, which is part of a multi-academy trust, The Golden Thread Alliance, was praised for having a “comprehensive and well-balanced curriculum” which allowed students to “achieve well”.

The report said staff are given training on how the curriculum should be taught, however, those newer to the school have not fully benefited from this.

Inspectors said this means there are some differences in how effective their teaching is, and some pupils do not always learn as well as they could.

The report did, however, note that students applied their knowledge to the world around them, making “insightful connections in learning” and they had an “impressive knowledge” of current affairs locally and nationally.

Pupils were also “proud” to show their knowledge of sign language and supported peers with a hearing impairment.

The school, in Lunedale Road, on the Fleet Estate, has a specially resourced provision for up to 13 pupils with profound hearing impairment.

Inspectors also noted how those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) were identified quickly, equally supported to develop their personal skills and achieve well.

Pupils were also said to “value inclusivity and feel that kindness underpins all parts of their school life” and have “confidence in their abilities” while enjoying learning.

Staff were praised for their “thoughtful support and guidance” and for their well-sequenced phonics programme, which meant pupils across the school “truly love reading” and develop into “fluent and confident readers”.

The report noted that pupils’ attendance is “generally good”, but some do not attend regularly enough or arrive late, missing out on important learning.

Inspectors recommended that the school, which has around 650 students, work with families to improve this.

Speaking about the report, acting head teacher, Toniann Braniff, said: “We are so proud of the report we have received from Ofsted and are delighted that inspectors have recognised the kindness, inclusivity and social awareness of our children.

“Colleagues have worked incredibly hard to ensure that everything we do at Fleetdown ensures children leave us ready for their next stage in education.

“We are looking forward to embracing the next stage of our journey.”

Chief executive of The Golden Thread Alliance, Garry Ratcliffe, added: “Fleetdown Primary Academy is a very special school, and I am delighted it has been recognised by Ofsted as providing a good quality of education for its pupils.

“I know that colleagues work hard to provide the very best for Fleetdown pupils and their families, and this hard work has paid off with a report that all colleagues, pupils and families can be very proud of.”