Kilby St Mary’s Church of England Primary School, located in Wigston, Leicestershire, underwent an inspection on June 20 and 21, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, a notable decline from its previous good rating. The quality of education, leadership and management, and early years provision were all assessed as requiring improvement, while behaviour and attitudes, as well as personal development, were rated as good.
The school is described as welcoming, with a caring environment that parents and carers appreciate. The Christian values of respect, hope, forgiveness, perseverance, friendship, and honesty are evident throughout the school, and pupils demonstrate these values in their behaviour. Bullying is rare, and pupils feel safe and happy, knowing they can share concerns with staff. The school celebrates pupil achievements through various recognition methods, fostering a positive atmosphere.
Despite the positive environment, the school has faced challenges since the last inspection. Leaders have made significant changes, but there is still a need for improvement in ensuring that pupils acquire and retain specific knowledge across most subjects. While early reading has seen some progress with a new phonics programme and effective training for staff, other subjects lack clarity in curriculum planning. The curriculum does not consistently outline the specific knowledge and skills pupils need to learn, leading to gaps in understanding.
Teaching practices sometimes fail to adapt to the diverse needs of all pupils, resulting in some not fully grasping the topics studied. Misconceptions in learning are occasionally overlooked, hindering progress. The provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities also requires enhancement. Although communication with parents regarding their children's needs has improved, the implementation of pupil passports to support these students is not yet consistent across the school.
Behaviour expectations are integrated into the school’s Christian values, with a focus on positive reinforcement. Clear routines are established from early years onwards, and trained staff support pupils in developing skills to manage their behaviour. Leaders maintain high attendance expectations and work closely with families to address barriers to attendance.
The school’s collective worship programme promotes fundamental British values alongside its Christian ethos, allowing pupils to apply these principles in their daily lives. Pupils engage in various extracurricular activities, enhancing their educational experience. Governors and school leaders acknowledge the need for further improvement and have increased monitoring of school systems and curriculum effectiveness.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with appropriate training for staff to identify and address welfare concerns. Leaders collaborate with various agencies to support pupils and their families, ensuring a comprehensive approach to safeguarding.
To improve, the school must ensure that curriculum planning across all subjects clearly defines the knowledge, skills, and vocabulary pupils need to learn and when they should learn it. Teachers should be equipped to adapt lessons to meet the diverse needs of their pupils effectively. The consistent use of pupil passports for those with special educational needs is essential for providing clarity in support strategies. Additionally, the early years curriculum requires a coherent plan to prepare young learners for the next stage of their education. Overall, while the school has made strides in certain areas, significant work remains to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
