Kirkham St Michael’s Church of England Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection. The school prioritizes the well-being and happiness of its pupils, creating a nurturing environment where students feel safe and supported. Pupils are confident that they can approach trusted adults with any concerns, ensuring a strong support system within the school community. The school maintains high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, encouraging them to aspire to their fullest potential. Most pupils make the expected progress through the curriculum, demonstrating the effectiveness of the school's educational approach.
The behavior of pupils is commendable; they are polite, well-mannered, and show respect to peers, staff, and visitors. The school environment is calm and orderly, allowing for effective teaching and learning. The curriculum is designed to provide a broad range of learning experiences, with opportunities for educational visits to places such as zoos, museums, and historical sites, which enhance pupils' understanding of various subjects. Additionally, the school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and performing arts, which contribute to a well-rounded education.
The curriculum at Kirkham St Michael’s is ambitious and well-structured, with clear identification of content and subject-specific vocabulary. This organization helps teachers understand what to teach and when, ensuring that pupils receive a comprehensive education. While teachers typically assess pupils' retention of knowledge, there are areas where the checks on learning could be improved, particularly in newer subjects. This gap in assessment may hinder some pupils from progressing as effectively as they could through the curriculum.
The school actively collaborates with parents and external agencies to support pupils with additional needs, ensuring that these students can learn alongside their peers. Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, with early years pupils receiving strong phonics instruction that continues through the primary years. The school library is a valued resource, and pupils express a love for reading, which is fostered by the staff's commitment to supporting literacy development.
Beyond the classroom, the school takes advantage of its grounds and local resources to enrich learning experiences. Year six pupils have the opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament, deepening their understanding of democracy. The school also emphasizes music education, with all pupils learning to play the clarinet for a year, and many continuing their musical education beyond that.
Early years pupils adapt quickly to school life, learning the expected behaviors and rules, which sets a positive tone for their future education. The staff at Kirkham St Michael’s are dedicated and feel valued, benefiting from ongoing training and support. The governing body is actively involved in the school’s development, ensuring that priorities are met and providing accountability for school leaders.
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, contributing to a safe learning environment for all pupils. While the school has many strengths, it is encouraged to enhance its assessment practices in certain subjects to better identify and address gaps in pupils' knowledge. Overall, Kirkham St Michael’s Church of England Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, fostering a supportive and engaging atmosphere for its pupils.
