Kingsfold Primary School, located in Preston, Lancashire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on November 29 and 30, 2022. The school provides a positive environment where pupils feel happy and safe. Upon arrival, students are greeted warmly by staff, fostering a sense of respect and care that contributes to strong relationships between pupils and teachers. This supportive atmosphere encourages pupils to engage actively in their learning and develop a thirst for knowledge.
The school offers a broad and ambitious curriculum that caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have identified essential knowledge for pupils and the sequence in which it should be taught. However, there are areas, particularly in the reading curriculum, where further refinement is needed to ensure that knowledge is built upon more effectively. In most subjects, pupils achieve well, and teachers utilize assessment strategies to identify misconceptions and provide necessary support.
Pupils exhibit good behavior and adhere to the school's established rules. Disruptions are managed effectively by staff, and incidents of bullying are addressed promptly. The school promotes a love of reading through regular story sessions and phonics instruction, which is consistently well-taught across early years and key stage one. However, leaders are still working on how to enhance reading development as pupils progress through key stage two.
In the early years, children, including those with SEND, start strong, developing positive learning behaviors and excellent relationships with their teachers. The curriculum is enriched with opportunities for personal development, allowing pupils to engage in debates, charity events, and leadership roles. Pupils are taught about British values and the importance of diversity and tolerance, which they understand in their daily lives.
Despite the positive aspects, the school faces challenges with attendance, as some pupils do not attend regularly, impacting their learning. Leaders are encouraged to engage more with parents to address barriers to attendance. Additionally, some leaders are still developing their evaluation skills, which can lead to broad improvement targets that lack focus. This may hinder the effectiveness of actions taken to enhance pupils' education.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring that staff are trained to identify potential risks to pupils' welfare. The curriculum also includes lessons on online safety and healthy relationships, demonstrating leaders' responsiveness to emerging issues. Overall, Kingsfold Primary School is a nurturing environment that prioritizes the well-being and education of its pupils, with a commitment to continuous improvement in teaching and learning practices. The governing body is actively involved and supports staff in managing their workload and well-being, contributing to a positive school culture. The school is well-regarded by parents and the community, reflecting its dedication to providing quality education and support for all students.