Kirklington Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. A welcoming, caring atmosphere in the school supports pupils' learning and self-confidence. Pupils achieve well because teaching is good.

By the time they leave at the end of Year 6, most pupils attain standards in English and mathematics that are at least a year ahead of most 11-year-olds. Teachers build good relationships with pupils that set the scene for good learning. They help pupils to develop good independent learning skills by encouraging them to carry out their own research, including good use of modern technology.

Pupils behave well and feel safe. They persevere with their tasks in lessons, and cooperate well when working in g...roups. The headteacher expects the very best from pupils and staff.

She has worked closely with staff to improve the teaching and achievement in writing and mathematics, where standards had previously been lagging a bit behind. Leaders track pupils' progress closely, and use the resulting information to set targets for teachers. Teachers are helped to improve their lessons through relevant training.

The governors provide strong support while challenging the school's leaders about its performance. Parents are enthusiastic about the education provided for their children, and feel they are well looked after and well taught. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Not enough teaching is outstanding.

In some lessons, long introductions and explanations slow the pace of learning, and the activities are not always sufficiently demanding to stretch the most able pupils. Teachers do not always make clear to pupils what they are intended to learn in each lesson, or how they can measure their success. The advice leaders give teachers after checking lessons does not focus sharply enough on the progress pupils have made, and the aspects of teaching identified for improvement are not followed up when lessons are checked again to make sure they have been tackled.

Information about this school

This school is much smaller than the average-sized primary school. Pupils are taught in three mixed-age classes. The youngest are taught in a class for Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.

The other two classes are for Years 3 and 4, and Years 5 and 6. Almost all pupils are from White British backgrounds. There are far fewer disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs than average.

These pupils are all supported by school action plus. The proportion of pupils supported through the pupil premium is smaller than average. In this school, this extra funding for certain groups only applies to pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals.

The number of pupils is too small for valid comparisons to be made against the government's floor standards (the minimum standards expected for attainment and progress). The proportion of pupils who join partway through their primary school education is far higher than in most schools. The school has won several awards for its provision, including the 'Sing-Up Gold' Award, and ActiveMark.