Serenity School Maidstone, Maidstone

What it's like to be a pupil at Serenity School Maidstone

The school is an inclusive, caring and happy community where pupils feel safe, valued and proud to belong. From the moment they enter the building, pupils are welcomed into an environment that celebrates who they are and seeks the best in them. They greet visitors with a smile and enjoy explaining their interests and sharing their talents. They participate fully in day‑to‑day school life, forming positive relationships with staff and peers that are built on trust, respect and kindness. Pupils benefit from a rich range of wider experiences that extend learning beyond the academic, including visits and charitable work to contribute to the community. These opportunities broaden pupils' horizons and strengthen their sense of identity. Pupils achieve well across the different learning pathways offered by the school. Classrooms are calm, purposeful and joyful places where teachers know pupils deeply and adapt teaching so that everyone can access the curriculum. All pupils have special educational needs and/or disabilities and education, health and care plans. Pupils make effective progress from their starting points, including disadvantaged pupils, pupils known to children's social care and those who face additional barriers such as trauma or school avoidance. Staff work with determination to remove obstacles to learning and wellbeing, ensuring pupils are well prepared for their next steps. Through the curriculum and wider opportunities, pupils develop their understanding of life in modern Britain and how to thrive with safety and happiness. Pupils flourish because the school promotes positive behaviour, emotional safety and personal development very well. Behaviour is calm and respectful, and pupils show genuine care for staff and one another. They feel safe and know that adults respond quickly and effectively to any concerns, including bullying. Attendance is high, demonstrating pupils' enjoyment of school and families' confidence in the provision.

What Ofsted says the school should do next

• • Leaders should ensure that the teaching of phonics and reading is consistently effective to help pupils to develop reading skills successfully. • Leaders should ensure that teaching is consistently effective across all classes to help all pupils to achieve well across the curriculum.

This school excels at creating a deeply caring, inclusive environment where every child feels valued and safe. Staff know pupils exceptionally well and provide individualised support that helps them develop confidence, independence and essential life skills. Parents consistently praise the welcoming ethos and the positive impact of the school on their children's happiness and wellbeing.

Safeguarding standards are met - leaders and those responsible for governance fulfil their responsibilities, have established an open culture of safeguarding, and pupils are made safer and feel safe.

Boccia, football, sporting opportunities with other schools, cooking, enterprise projects, charitable work and community visits

Train Stations

Bus Stops