Kingfisher School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Information about this school

The Kingfisher School provides for pupils having behavioural, emotional and social difficulties.

All pupils have a statement of special educational needs although very occasionally pupils who are being assessed are admitted. Pupils have been excluded from other schools at least once and have missed extensive periods of education. About a third has missed schooling for a year before coming to Kingfisher School.

Most pupils are of White British heritage. A small number of girls and a small number of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds are educated at the school. The majority of pupils are entitled to the pupil premium (additional funding from central government for pupils kn...own to be eligible for free school meals, children looked after by the local authority, or who have a parent in the armed forces).

Currently a small number of pupils are looked after by the local authority. Some pupils attend other venues (typically for a day a week) to study specialist courses such as car mechanics. Although the school is registered for pupils aged seven to 16 years, in practice it rarely educates pupils younger than 11 years old.

As such, the school does not receive primary sports funding.

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. Pupils make good progress and achieve well in a wide range of subjects.

Their progress accelerates as they pass through the school so that they are well prepared for the next stages of work or education. Since the previous inspection, leaders, managers and governors have improved pupils' achievement and behaviour. Teaching is good and aspects of teaching are outstanding in raising pupils' self-esteem.

Lessons are taught with enthusiasm which captures pupils' interest, and where possible learning is 'hands-on' which motivates pupils well. Behaviour in lessons, breakfast, break times, lunch, and around school is good. Pupils are polite and increasingly considerate towards others.

They speak powerfully and positively about what the school means to them. The headteacher leads with ability and passion and senior staff contribute fully so that the school has a very clear direction for improvement. Staff are proud to work at the school.

Governors challenge the school vigorously and hold it to account well, contributing effectively to the school's forward momentum. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Teachers do not always deploy teaching assistants as fully as they should when the teacher is speaking to the whole class, slowing pupils' progress. Although there is good improvement in pupils' attendance, there is still room to further increase attendance by continuing to work closely with pupils, parents and other agencies.