Kingsthorne Primary School, located in Kingstanding, Birmingham, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 6 and 7, 2023. The school fosters a welcoming environment where pupils exhibit friendliness and kindness towards each other, staff, and visitors. Positive behavior is evident in classrooms and throughout the school, with students understanding the rules and feeling supported by adults. Instances of bullying are reported as rare, and when they do occur, staff address them promptly, contributing to a sense of safety among pupils.
The leadership at Kingsthorne Primary School maintains high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is broad and engaging, encouraging pupils to develop positive attitudes towards learning. The school enriches the educational experience through trips and guest visitors, which helps to broaden pupils' understanding of the world beyond their immediate community. Students are eager to take on responsibilities, such as becoming prefects or participating in school council activities, and they enjoy opportunities to learn musical instruments and engage in sports.
The school has implemented an ambitious curriculum that clearly outlines the knowledge pupils should acquire at each year level. Subjects are sequenced thoughtfully, allowing teachers to effectively plan lessons that build on prior knowledge. For instance, in art, students utilize their understanding of various techniques to analyze artists' work, while in science, Year 5 pupils confidently explain plant reproduction using their existing knowledge. Subject leaders have identified essential vocabulary for each topic, and teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, providing clear explanations that support all learners, including those with SEND.
In core subjects like English, mathematics, and science, the school has established effective assessment systems to monitor pupil progress. This enables teachers to identify and address any learning gaps, ensuring that current pupils are well-prepared for secondary education. However, the assessment system for foundation subjects is still in the early stages of implementation, and further development is needed to ensure that teachers can fully evaluate pupil learning in these areas.
Pupils at Kingsthorne Primary School show a strong passion for reading, with older students discussing their favorite books and younger children actively participating in storytime. The phonics program is well-implemented, and staff provide effective support for those who struggle with reading, helping them to improve their fluency.
In the early years, children are happy and well-cared for, with warm relationships established between adults and pupils. The curriculum covers all areas of learning, both indoors and outdoors. However, there is a need for adults to model language use more effectively during child-led activities to enhance vocabulary acquisition.
The school prioritizes the personal development of its pupils, teaching them about healthy lifestyles and cultural diversity. Pupils demonstrate respect for differences and feel that everyone is welcome at the school. They have a voice in decision-making processes, such as selecting equipment for lunchtime activities and choosing charities for school support.
Governors are committed to the well-being of pupils and staff, maintaining an accurate understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. Staff express positive sentiments about their work environment, appreciating the support they receive from leaders.
The safeguarding arrangements at Kingsthorne Primary School are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding in place. Staff receive regular training to identify potential risks to pupils, and leaders respond swiftly to any concerns, collaborating with external agencies to provide necessary support.
To enhance the school's effectiveness, leaders should focus on fully embedding the new assessment system for foundation subjects and ensuring that language modeling in early years activities encourages vocabulary development. Overall, Kingsthorne Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
