King’s Court First School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils feel safe and happy at King's Court School.

They understand the school's aims of 'caring, sharing and learning together' and treat each other respectfully. Staff have high expectations of pupils and give them the support they need to do well. Pupils behave well.

They are ready to learn and settle quickly when arriving in their classrooms. At lunchtime pupils enjoy the opportunity to talk or play together. One group of pupils was keen to share a dance they'd made up to celebrate their friendship.

Pupils enjoy the wide range of activities on offer. For example, science days, yoga sessions, spy club and 'i-rock'. They also have opportunities to be respons...ible members of the community.

Pupils spoke with pride about helping raise funds to update the school library, for instance.

Staff look after pupils well. Pupils know they can speak to an adult if they have any worries.

Pupils value their class 'bubble box' where they can put a message about any concerns they have. Adults respond to these swiftly and help pupils to sort out any problems they may have. Pupils say bullying is rare and when it does happen adults deal with it quickly.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Since the last inspection leaders have worked tirelessly with the staff team, many of whom are new to the school. In doing so, they aim to ensure that all aspects of the curriculum are well planned and clearly sequenced. Leaders have established plans for a broad curriculum that lays the foundation for pupils' future learning.

This helps pupils remember the content they have been taught and build on what they know. While detailed plans have now been implemented for reading, writing and mathematics, this is not yet the case for all subjects. Leaders are working with staff to make sure the plans inform all learning by the end of this school year.

Reading is a priority for the school. Leaders ensure that pupils read every day and are read to regularly. They make sure pupils develop the reading skills they need to become effective learners.

Phonics is well taught. Support is put swiftly in place if any pupils are falling behind. Pupils quickly gain the knowledge and skills they need to become confident, fluent readers.

Pupils enjoy reading and speak with enthusiasm about their favourite writers and books. In 2019, pupils' achievement in reading was significantly above that seen nationally.

In mathematics, where pupils' outcomes remain high, curriculum plans build well on what pupils already know.

Teachers take time to revisit key facts if pupils have not remembered previous learning well enough. Leaders have continued their successful focus on improving the teaching of writing. For example, by develop editing skills and improving their understanding of the skills writers need.

As a result, pupils' outcomes in writing improved last year and are now above average.Pupils enjoy their lessons and attend school regularly. Teachers reinforce the expectations that pupils are respectful to each other and focused on their learning.

However, some parents and carers are concerned that standards of behaviour are not high enough. Leaders' and governors' communication with parents and carers about this aspect of the school's work has not yet been entirely successful.

Promoting pupils' personal development is a high priority for the school.

Pupils have many opportunities to learn how to be responsible and active members of the school community. For example, being in the 'green team', helping as librarians or contributing to the work of the school council.

Leaders have high ambitions for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

They provide targeted support to help this group of pupils learn to read and write and develop their skills and understanding. Well-judged support is in place for all pupils, including those who may take time to settle to learning. Leaders make regular checks to ensure that this group of pupils has the right support to take part in the full curriculum.

Children get off to a good start in the early years and achieve well. They start each day following clear routines, including welcoming each other to school. Children have positive attitudes to learning.

They listen well and respond positively to adults and each other. Leaders have developed a curriculum that is well organised and clearly sequenced. Activities are set up which excite and engage the children.

The curriculum is designed to link books which the children have read and enjoyed to wider learning. For example, after reading 'Zog', children made green play dough and practised writing and counting.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders are clear that 'safeguarding trumps everything'. Staff training is a priority. Staff know what to do if they have concerns about pupils.

When required, the school works closely with other agencies to make sure pupils who need help get it quickly.

Governors monitor the school's processes to make sure that pupils are kept safe. They, with leaders, make sure all required checks on adults who work in school are in place.

Pupils know how to keep themselves safe online and when not at school. They are confident they have adults they can trust if they have concerns.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

Although ambitious curriculum plans have been developed for all subjects, and are in place for reading, writing and mathematics, these plans are not fully implemented in all subjects.

However, it is clear from the actions that leaders have already taken, to plan next year's curriculum and train staff in how to deliver it, that they are in the process of bringing this about. Leaders should ensure that teaching reliably implements these plans, across the school. .

Some parents and carers are positive about recent changes to the curriculum and the management of pupils' behaviour. However, others are worried that expectations and standards are not high enough. Leaders and governors should make it a priority to develop more-effective communication with parents and carers, to ensure clarity about all aspects of the school's work.

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