Kingsley Community Primary School and Nursery, located in Frodsham, Cheshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 25 and 26, 2023. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where pupils take pride in their attendance. They enjoy their lessons and the camaraderie with their peers, with new students quickly integrating into the school community. Parents and carers express high levels of support for the school, appreciating the care and attention that staff provide to their children.
Pupils feel safe and valued, thanks to the kind and approachable staff who are attentive to their concerns. The school promotes well-being through initiatives like ‘Nature’s Nook’ during lunchtime, which offers pupils a space to relax and recharge. The leadership team, including governors, is committed to ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential. Most pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, perform well across various subjects.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, with most students demonstrating good conduct both in lessons and around the school. They are encouraged to adhere to the principles of being ready, safe, and respectful. Any incidents of bullying are addressed promptly and effectively by the leadership team. Beyond academics, pupils have opportunities to explore their interests through various after-school and lunchtime clubs, such as chess, choir, and Spanish. They also engage in responsibilities that contribute to the school community, such as caring for the school dog and supporting younger students.
The curriculum at Kingsley Community Primary School is broad and ambitious, designed to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged backgrounds. Leaders have carefully considered the essential knowledge that pupils should acquire and the sequence in which it should be taught. The early years curriculum is also well-structured, catering for the needs of two-year-olds.
Staff are well-trained to deliver the curriculum effectively, and in many subjects, teachers create activities that build on pupils' prior knowledge. Regular assessments help ensure that pupils retain what they have learned, facilitating connections between new and existing knowledge. However, in some subjects, there has been a recent refinement of the curriculum, and leaders need to ensure that teachers are adequately supported to implement these changes effectively.
Reading is a priority at the school, with a strong phonics and early reading curriculum in place. Children in the nursery engage in rhymes and songs to develop their language skills, preparing them for phonics instruction in Reception. The reading materials provided to pupils align with their phonetic knowledge, fostering confidence and fluency in reading. Teachers are vigilant in identifying pupils who struggle with reading and provide timely support to help them catch up.
The school has established effective systems to identify and support pupils with SEND, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers. Positive behavior is promoted through clear routines and expectations, with most pupils displaying a positive attitude towards learning. The school council provides leadership opportunities, and pupils participate in enriching experiences that enhance their social and cultural understanding.
Governors are committed to supporting the school’s mission and ensure they have the necessary knowledge to challenge and support school leaders effectively. The well-being of both staff and pupils is a priority, contributing to high morale among staff who feel supported in managing their workload. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with a strong culture of safety established throughout the school. Overall, Kingsley Community Primary School and Nursery continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
