Kington St Michael Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

This is a nurturing and happy school, where pupils enjoy learning.

Pupils describe it as a welcoming place where everyone is nice to one another. They understand how the school's values help them to have the courage to try new things. The school has high aspirations for what pupils can achieve.

Pupils meet these expectations. They work hard and achieve well across the curriculum.

The school has clear expectations for pupils' behaviour.

Pupils follow the school rules well. This starts in the early years, where children learn routines quickly, take turns and play well together.

Pupils are polite and courteous.

They confidently hold co...nversations with adults. Staff know the pupils for the individuals they are. Relationships are positive across the school.

Pupils trust adults to listen and help them with any worries they may have. They feel safe and cared for because of this.

Pupils enjoy the range of opportunities on offer to them, such as netball club, trips to museums or a residential visit.

They take pride in taking on leadership roles, which include school and worship council, play buddies and leading school assemblies. Pupils understand how these roles help them to set a positive example to others.

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

Since the last inspection, there have been several leadership and staffing changes.

The new headteacher, together with staff, has brought renewed vigour to key aspects of the school's work. For example, leaders are strengthening the provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school has put in place effective systems to promptly identify the needs of these pupils.

Working with external agencies, it gives clear guidance to staff about how best to support pupils. As a result, most pupils with SEND progress through the same curriculum as their peers.

The personal development offer for pupils is impressive.

Pupils learn about fundamental British values exceptionally well, talking with maturity about the importance of individual liberty and mutual respect. They understand why discrimination is wrong. A rich variety of activities and opportunities help pupils develop their character, such as litter picking in the local community or raising money for a foodbank.

Pupils are very well prepared for life beyond school.

The school has designed an ambitious curriculum. Reading is at its heart.

Older pupils enjoy listening to stories, such as 'Holes'. They understand how this helps them to learn the importance of following rules. In Reception Year, children develop their language skills by listening to stories and songs.

Teachers introduce pupils to new sounds clearly, addressing any gaps that arise before moving on. Most pupils learn and remember new sounds well because of this. If pupils fall behind, they receive the support they need to catch up quickly.

As a result, pupils learn to read with fluency and accuracy.

Teachers benefit from the training they receive, which builds their subject expertise. In mathematics, for example, they skilfully explain and model new concepts.

This helps pupils build their mathematical understanding. In the early years, children use words such as 'same' or 'more than' when comparing numbers. Older pupils use their prior knowledge of multiplication to solve more complex problems when calculating the volume of shapes.

Pupils learn well in most wider curriculum subjects. In art and design, teachers check on what pupils know and remember. They use this information to adapt learning tasks so that pupils build their knowledge securely.

Pupils describe in detail the work of artists such as Frida Kahlo or the techniques they use when sketching. However, in some areas of the curriculum, learning is not adapted well enough to fully support pupils and their individual needs. This means that some pupils do not achieve as well as they could.

Pupils display positive attitudes to their learning. This starts in the early years, where children are eager to share their learning. Pupils behave well during social times and enjoy the range of activities on offer to them.

The school provides high-quality pastoral support and care for pupils who struggle to manage their emotions.

The school ensures that pupils' attendance is a priority. It uses a range of approaches to support pupils and families where absence is a concern.

As a result, most pupils attend school regularly.

Governors share the school's vision. They use their expertise to provide effective support and challenge to the school.

Staff, many of whom are new, are proud to work at the school. They appreciate the school's consideration of their workload and value the time they have to carry out their roles.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In some subjects, learning is not adapted well enough to meet pupils' needs. Where this is the case, pupils do not build their knowledge as well as they could across the curriculum. The school needs to ensure that learning is suitably adapted so that pupils have the breadth and depth of knowledge they need to achieve highly in all subjects across the curriculum.