Kirkby in Malhamdale United Voluntary Aided Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The executive headteacher has strengthened many aspects of the school, and consequently the school is well placed to continue its improvement.

The close link with Settle Church of England Primary School is enormously beneficial to the school, enabling staff to improve and share their expertise. At this stage in the school's improvement, the roles of leaders are not yet clear or sufficiently developed. The curriculum is varied and interesting.

A focus on outdoor learning reflects the rural nature of the school. Governance is strong, providing support and challenge in equal measure. High-quality teaching means that pupils enjoy learning imm...ensely.

Teachers question pupils well and address common misconceptions promptly. Writing is taught particularly well. By the time pupils reach Year 6, their writing is of exceptional quality.

Pupils' behaviour is good, both in lessons and at lunchtimes. They attend regularly and are punctual. Pupils feel safe and secure from bullying and harassment.

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness is generally good. However, there are some gaps in pupils' personal development in Year 6. Pupils make good progress over their time in school.

However, on occasions, they could be challenged further. There is a good culture of reading in the school. Many pupils read for pleasure and all are heard reading aloud.

In early years, children thrive as a result of the good-quality teaching. They quickly learn beneficial habits and behaviours to prepare them well for Year 1.

Information about this school

This school is smaller than the average-sized primary school.

It serves the rural area around Malham in the Yorkshire Dales. Almost all pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium is below average.

The proportion of pupils with SEND is below average. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is below the national average. The school is at an advanced stage of planning to join a federation with Settle Church of England Primary School.

The two schools share an executive headteacher, who was appointed in September 2018. Since the last inspection, the number of classes in the school has grown from two to three. The additional class now houses children in Reception and Year 1.