Following the short inspection of Kearsley West Primary School on June 26, 2019, it has been confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good standard of education. The leadership team has effectively upheld the quality of education since the last inspection in March 2015. The school is characterized by a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with a strong emphasis on the care and nurture of pupils. Staff and governors are committed to providing a rich and engaging curriculum that offers a variety of experiences, aligning with the school’s motto of being safe, happy, and learning. Pupils participate in diverse activities, such as playing brass instruments and engaging in outdoor adventures, which contribute to their development as confident learners.
Parental feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the approachable and dedicated staff. Parents feel welcomed and informed about their children's progress, attending regular sessions to support their learning. Pupils echo these sentiments, demonstrating enthusiasm for school and consistently attending. They engage well in class, collaborating with peers and following instructions promptly, which maximizes learning time. The quality of pupils' work is commendable, and they describe lessons as enjoyable and staff as kind.
The inspection revealed that pupils have a solid understanding of various religions, including Buddhism and Judaism, although their knowledge of British values and diversity is somewhat limited. The governing body is actively involved in the school, providing a balance of challenge and support. They monitor spending and the impact of staff training on teaching quality, which has led to improved outcomes, particularly in mathematics. However, the school improvement plan lacks clarity, making it challenging to measure success effectively.
Leaders have addressed previous inspection recommendations by enhancing opportunities for pupils to apply their mathematics skills in broader contexts. Evidence of this was found in pupils' workbooks, showcasing regular practice in problem-solving across subjects. Additionally, leaders have implemented a comprehensive monitoring system for teaching quality, allowing subject leaders to gain insights into pupil attainment across the curriculum.
Efforts to improve attendance have been successful, with the school now achieving attendance levels in line with national averages. The importance of regular attendance is well understood by pupils and their families, and good attendance is celebrated.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with thorough checks on staff suitability and regular governor visits to ensure compliance. Pupils are educated on safety, including online safety, and there is a strong collaborative approach to safeguarding among staff, parents, and external professionals.
The inspection focused on several key areas, including pupil behavior, early writing development, and writing achievement across the school. Pupils exhibit good behavior, and staff support those needing additional assistance effectively. In early years, teachers provide a range of activities to develop reading and writing skills, although some activities could be better tailored to children's interests. Writing progress is evident, with recent training improving teaching effectiveness. However, pupils need to enhance their editing skills to reduce careless errors in their work.
To further improve, the school should sharpen its improvement planning, deepen pupils' understanding of equality and diversity, enhance editing skills in writing, and ensure early years activities align closely with children's interests and experiences.
