Kents Hill Junior School

It is deeply concerning to observe the number of children currently struggling to access education within this school. This pattern warrants serious reflection on whether existing systems and practices are genuinely meeting pupils’ needs, or whether they prioritise operational convenience over individual wellbeing.

The school’s rules and expectations appear excessively rigid and punitive, creating an environment in which children are not afforded the space to be children. Since starting at Kent’s Hill Juniors, My child’s emotional wellbeing has deteriorated significantly, with her anxiety escalating to the point that attending school became a daily source of distress. This decline cannot be attributed to peer relationships; my child had a positive and supportive friendship group. The difficulties she experienced arose from the adult-led structures and responses within the school, rather than from the children themselves.

I believe that remaining at Kent’s Hill Juniors is no longer in my child’s best interests. This decision has been taken to protect her wellbeing, emotional safety, and long-term capacity to re-engage with education. At present, the school’s approach appears insufficiently responsive to the needs of the children it serves and instead appears to operate primarily for the convenience of adults.

Whilst my children have been lucky to have had some amazing Teachers at this school, if you have a child/children with SEND or emotional/mental health issues the school really falls short. If a parent has an issue they wish to raise, the school outwardly suggests that parents get in touch to work collaboratively with the school. The problem is, is that when you do, the hierarchy for concerns means that you rarely get to speak with higher management and are very much kept at arms length. Within my community of mums, most, if not all, have had at least one complaint with the school. It is such a shame, because Kents Hill Infants is a lovely school, but I fear that the reputation of the Juniors will, over the years, impact the number of applicants to the Infants. I have a child in the infants, but will not be sending him to the juniors when he reaches year 3!
(I have rated the Teachers highly below- this does not relate to management staff, senco or wellbeing staff)