Outwood Primary Academy Kirkhamgate

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Outwood Primary Academy Kirkhamgate provides an exceptional learning environment where pupils feel safe, valued and supported.

From the moment pupils join the school, they experience an atmosphere where all feel welcome and high expectations are the norm. The school develops pupils' character remarkably well. The 'Outwood Diploma' and a wide range of leadership roles provide pupils with extraordinary experiences, citizenship development and memorable interactions.

Pupils thrive in the school's calm and aspirational environment. Behaviour is exemplary. Pupils are eager to learn.

They engage enthusiastically with lessons and take pride in their achievements. Pu...pils achieve well.

The school's strong culture of respect and care is evident in the way that pupils interact with each other and with staff.

Bullying is rare. Pupils are confident that any issues will be dealt with swiftly.

Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the school.

They praise the excellent support that their children receive, particularly children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school takes proactive steps to teach pupils about staying safe, both online and offline, through its comprehensive personal, social and health education curriculum. Pupils remember their learning from these lessons.

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

Pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, benefit from a rich and well-delivered curriculum. From the early years to Year 6, the curriculum builds pupils' knowledge progressively. The curriculum is successful in providing every pupil with rich learning experiences that prepare them for future success.

Pupils are given regular opportunities to deepen their understanding and apply their knowledge. Teachers check pupils' understanding and address any misconceptions promptly. This ensures that all pupils are supported to achieve well.

The school's inclusive approach ensures that pupils with SEND receive support that enables them to access the full curriculum offer. Teachers are skilled at making adaptations to lessons to help pupils with SEND. Staff work closely with external agencies, the trust and parents to ensure that the needs of pupils with SEND are identified early.

The school maintains a sharp focus on continuously improving the provision for pupils with SEND to ensure that they achieve as well as their peers.

Right from the start, there is a clear focus on developing pupils' phonics skills and fostering a love of reading. Staff are experts at teaching children to read.

As a result, children learn to read quickly. Staff are highly skilled at identifying pupils who are at risk of falling behind. They provide targeted support to help these pupils catch up.

Older pupils also benefit from tailored interventions that improve their reading fluency and comprehension.

In the early years, children receive a high-quality start to their education in a well-organised, engaging and caring environment. The thoughtfully designed curriculum sets out the important knowledge and skills that children should acquire.

This lays strong foundations for their future learning. Interactions between staff and children are excellent. Staff use their expertise to tailor activities to the needs of each child.

The learning environment provides many opportunities for children to explore and develop their social skills.

Behaviour across the school is exemplary. Pupils are highly motivated to do well.

They understand the school's clear expectations of how to behave. Staff praise and reward pupils regularly. Instances of poor behaviour or bullying are extremely rare.

When they do occur, the school deals with them quickly. Pupils are highly respectful to each other and staff. The school provides pupils with strategies to manage their emotions and build resilience.

As a result, pupils do this well. Pupils' attendance is consistently high and they are keen to attend school each day.

Pupils are provided with a variety of opportunities to develop leadership skills, participate in community projects and grow into responsible citizens.

They value the leadership opportunities that they have. These help them to develop a sense of responsibility and pride in their school. The school provides an extensive range of extra-curricular opportunities to develop pupils' talents and interests.

Leaders, including those responsible for governance, have an unwavering commitment to providing a high-quality education for every pupil. All staff benefit from the regular training the multi-academy trust provides. Leaders at all levels, including governors and the multi-academy trust, provide strong oversight and challenge, ensuring that the school continues to improve.

Staff well-being is a priority. The school takes active steps to manage workload and provide support.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.