Kettleshulme St James CofE (VA) Primary School is a small rural school located in Derbyshire, serving children aged 4 to 11. The school has maintained a good quality of education, as evidenced by its recent inspection. The headteacher's commitment to fostering a positive learning environment is shared by the staff and governors, who uphold the school's Christian values of Acceptance, Love, and Forgiveness. The governors effectively hold leaders accountable and are proud of the school's role in the local community.
The leadership team has a clear and honest evaluation of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They have identified key priorities and are taking appropriate actions to enhance the educational experience for pupils. Recent improvements in the teaching of reading are positively impacting pupils' vocabulary and writing skills. In mathematics, older pupils are effectively applying their knowledge to solve complex problems, while strategies to enhance basic mathematical skills in younger pupils are beginning to show positive results.
The curriculum is designed to engage pupils and reflect their interests, although there are areas where the progression of knowledge across subjects could be better embedded. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive high-quality support, enabling them to make at least good progress from their starting points. The school's nurturing environment fosters exemplary behavior among pupils, who demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning.
Pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is effectively promoted through various opportunities provided by the school. They are well-prepared to be responsible citizens in modern Britain. Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction with the school, often describing it as a family-oriented institution at the heart of the community.
To further improve, the school aims to enhance outcomes for pupils by ensuring that learning in subjects beyond English and mathematics builds on prior knowledge, developing pupils' vocabulary to improve writing quality, and increasing basic mathematical knowledge, particularly in lower key stage 2.
The leadership and management of the school are rated as good, with effective systems in place for monitoring and evaluating the quality of education. Staff feel valued and supported, contributing to a positive school culture. The subject leaders for English and mathematics have a clear understanding of their subjects and provide relevant training for staff, ensuring that teaching is effective.
The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is also rated as good. Teachers know their pupils well and create a calm, nurturing environment that supports learning. They use assessment effectively to identify next steps in pupils' learning and design engaging lessons that build on prior knowledge. Reading is prioritized, and pupils are becoming confident readers through a well-resourced library and effective phonics instruction.
Pupils' behavior is outstanding, with high levels of respect for each other and adults. They feel safe and valued, and their attendance is consistently above the national average. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils.
Overall, Kettleshulme St James CofE Primary School provides a good quality of education, with strong leadership, effective teaching, and a supportive environment that promotes the personal development and welfare of its pupils. The school is well-regarded by parents and the local community, and it continues to strive for improvement in all areas.
