All Faiths Children’s Academy in Strood, celebrate positive reflections on the school’s culture and ethos following an ungraded inspection in June 2025.
Prior to the framework changes implemented in September 2024, the school was graded as a ‘Good’ school. While ungraded inspections do not result in a formal judgment, they offer important insights into how well a school continues to meet the standards of its previous graded inspection.
The highly complementary report emphasised the school's commitment to fostering an inclusive community where students have a strong sense of belonging, stating that, "pupils show pride in belonging to their school. They actively uphold values such as kindness.” It was noted that, “staff establish clear routines that help pupils feel safe. Pupils trust staff to support them when needed.”
The inspectors praised the integration of ‘Tree Tops’, the school’s deaf provision, through the Total Communication approach. They noted “all pupils learn a broad curriculum, including British Sign Language. This enables pupils including deaf pupils, to play and interact with each other during social times and lessons” following on to celebrate how the “skilled staff in ‘Tree Tops’ provide deaf pupils with expert support in lesson. This enables pupils to engage fully in school life and achieve well both academically and personally.”
The school was recognised for its commitment to nurturing pupils from the start of their educational life, working in partnership with the parent community, with the reports stating: “When children join the school in the early years, staff build positive relationships with them and their families”. All Faiths Children’s Academy encourage community engagement for their pupils. This was recognised by the school holding “workshops with the local police service to help pupils understand the important role they play in the community” and how the “pupils in ‘Tree Tops’ contribute to raising national awareness of being a deaf child through publishing books for other children.”
Andrew Kershaw, Headteacher of All Faiths Children’s Academy reflected on the experience, saying: “We are proud of the inclusive and nurturing environment at All Faiths, and we welcome the feedback from this inspection as part of our ongoing journey of improvement. Our staff, pupils, and families have worked incredibly hard to build a school community rooted in kindness, resilience, and ambition. We remain committed to ensuring every child receives the support they need to thrive.”
The school, a proud member of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, welcome constructive feedback from inspectors, which help to refine practices and further enhance the educational experience for all learners. “The new leadership team, supported by the trust and governors, has taken decisive action to overcome barriers and improve pupils’ achievements.” As always, All Faiths remain committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and aspirational environment where every pupil can thrive and be their best selves. The inspectors recognised that “Governors and trustees know the school well. They visit regularly to ensure leaders’ actions remain focused and effective in moving the school forward.”
Michelle Smith, Regional Director for the school said, “I am incredibly proud of the inclusive culture and strong values that define All Faiths Children’s Academy. The inspection outcome acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the school’s team, especially during a time of leadership transition. The school’s inclusive ethos, strong safeguarding culture, and commitment to pupil wellbeing are clear strengths. “We remain fully committed to supporting the school, ensuring every pupil receives the support and opportunities they deserve.”
Michelle Smith, Regional Director for the school said, “I am incredibly proud of the inclusive culture and strong values that define All Faiths Children’s Academy. The inspection outcome acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the school’s team, especially during a time of leadership transition. The school’s inclusive ethos, strong safeguarding culture, and commitment to pupil wellbeing are clear strengths.
“We remain fully committed to supporting the school, ensuring every pupil receives the support and opportunities they deserve.”