Kingsbridge Community Primary School is characterized as a nurturing and inclusive environment where pupils are encouraged to embody the values of community, aspiration, respect, and equity. The school fosters kindness among students, who demonstrate politeness and respect towards adults. Parents appreciate the caring ethos promoted by the school leadership, often describing it as a large family. In the early years, children collaborate effectively and show enthusiasm for learning. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive appropriate support, enabling them to thrive academically.
Despite recent improvements to the curriculum, the overall quality of education remains inconsistent across different subjects. Some areas of the curriculum are still in the early stages of implementation, which affects the learning outcomes for pupils. Teachers often lack strong subject knowledge, leading to gaps in pupils' understanding and learning experiences. High expectations for behavior are evident, with pupils feeling safe and secure in their school environment. Instances of bullying are rare, and students are confident that any issues would be addressed promptly. The positive behavior observed in lessons contributes to a conducive learning atmosphere with minimal disruption.
Relationships between pupils and staff are strong, contributing to a happy school environment where students enjoy attending. However, the school has faced challenges in providing a consistently high-quality education. Leaders and governors have recognized these weaknesses but have been slow to implement necessary changes. Recently, governors sought assistance from leaders in another trust to facilitate school improvement, which has shown some effectiveness, yet significant work remains.
Efforts to enhance the curriculum have begun, particularly in mathematics, where training has been provided to improve teachers' subject knowledge. This has resulted in effective teaching practices that help pupils develop their mathematical skills. However, similar improvements in other subjects are still in their infancy, with many subject leaders new to their roles and teachers lacking the necessary expertise to deliver the curriculum effectively.
Leaders are committed to ensuring that pupils with special educational needs learn alongside their peers, providing tailored support to meet individual needs. The school has prioritized reading, implementing a consistent phonics teaching approach from the start of Reception Year. While most pupils express a love for reading, assessment practices need improvement to identify gaps in understanding, particularly for those struggling with reading. Consequently, some pupils do not achieve fluency in their reading as quickly as they should.
In the early years, children learn to work independently and follow routines, establishing a solid foundation for their education. The school promotes a calm and respectful atmosphere, with teachers maintaining high expectations for behavior. Pupils demonstrate responsible attitudes towards one another and adults, understanding the importance of values such as democracy and respect for diversity.
While parents commend the friendliness and approachability of staff, the range of extracurricular opportunities for pupils to explore their interests and talents is still developing. Staff feel supported in their roles, and there is a sense of pride in working at the school. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns, ensuring the safety of all pupils.
To improve, the school must focus on enhancing staff training in early reading and subject knowledge across the curriculum. Governance needs to act more swiftly to address the identified weaknesses in educational quality. Overall, while Kingsbridge Community Primary School has strengths in its supportive environment and positive relationships, it faces challenges in delivering a consistently high-quality education that meets the needs of all pupils.
