A primary school using a dog mentor to provide extra support for pupils has been upgraded to “Good” following its latest Ofsted inspection.
St Katherine’s Nursery and Primary School in St Katherine’s Lane, Snodland, had previously been rated “Requires Improvement” in 2017.
But following a two-day visit from the government watchdog in January, the school now has the second highest grading possible, with inspectors finding some aspects “Outstanding”.
Since the previous inspection seven years ago the school has joined the Coppice Primary Partnership – an academy trust made up of three local primary schools.
It also appointed head teacher Ray Lang in September 2023.
He said: “We believe passionately in providing children with a well-rounded, enriching education with exciting experiences.
“These open children’s eyes to new possibilities and encourage them to pursue wider goals and aspirations.”
Across the five categories assessed, the school received a minimum rating of “Good” with three of them classed as “Outstanding” – those being behaviour, personal development, and the school’s leadership.
The school offers students a swimming pool, art studio, and sensory room, in which children in need of emotional support are helped through drawing and talking therapy.
Those in need of extra support also get the opportunity to be visited by Mylo, the school’s dog mentor.
The report said: “Pupils are joyful and proud of their aspirational and welcoming school. Pupils feel safe, special, and valued.
“Everyone learns to live the school’s values of respect, resilience, responsibility, community, compassion, and excellence.
‘Leaders are highly inspirational, compassionate, and effective. Staff are happy and proud to work here.’
“These values have inspired excellent behaviour, which helps most pupils to meet the school’s high expectations for all.
“Leaders are highly inspirational, compassionate, and effective. Staff are happy and proud to work here. Trustees and governors meet their duties with tenacity and diligence.
“Support for families is exceptional. Leaders are passionate in their ambition to ensure equity of opportunity. Their actions ensure that nobody misses out.”
Chair of governors, Carina Cuddington, said: “I am immensely proud to be part of the team at St Katherine’s.
“Leaders, staff, and students have put in a huge amount of work to make the school the amazing place it is today. I am excited to see the school continue to flourish and watch students thrive with the opportunities provided to them.”
Mark Chatley, trust leader of the Coppice Primary Partnership, said: “This Ofsted rating is a testament to the hard work of all the staff, the pupils, parents, governors, and community at St Katherine’s, who work incredibly hard to make it such a special place.”
