Kelsey Primary School, located in North Kelsey, Lincolnshire, has been inspected and continues to be recognized as a good school. The inspection, conducted on February 7, 2023, highlighted the positive experiences of pupils who enjoy attending the school. The leadership has developed a curriculum aimed at fostering global, cultural, and self-awareness among students, ensuring they acquire the necessary knowledge for their educational progression. The school has high expectations for pupil behavior, and students demonstrate the core values of responsibility, determination, and respect in their interactions. New students receive a warm welcome, and there is a strong sense of safety, with pupils feeling confident to share any concerns with adults.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, with most pupils participating in at least one club weekly, covering interests such as drama, football, gardening, and dance. Pupils also benefit from visits to educational sites and interactions with external speakers, enhancing their learning experience. The curriculum is ambitious, with leaders carefully planning the knowledge pupils need to learn in a logical sequence, allowing for the reinforcement of prior learning. This approach supports pupils in building their understanding across various subjects over time.
However, the inspection identified areas for improvement. In some subjects, pupils lack regular opportunities to develop critical thinking skills, particularly in applying historical or scientific reasoning. For instance, pupils do not often explore different methodologies in scientific experiments, which limits their ability to think independently about their learning processes. Additionally, while the early years curriculum is well-organized, the specific knowledge for Nursery-age children is not as clearly defined as for other year groups.
Teachers effectively implement the planned curriculum, clearly communicating essential knowledge during lessons and regularly checking for understanding. The phonics program is well-structured, with all staff trained to teach reading effectively. Pupils in early years and key stage one quickly learn to identify sounds and read words, enjoying the process of reading both for learning and pleasure.
The school has robust systems in place to identify and support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These pupils receive assistance to access the curriculum alongside their peers, although there is room for improvement in fostering their independent learning skills. Pupils display positive attitudes towards learning and are attentive in lessons, with early years children quickly adapting to routines and serving as role models for younger peers.
Cultural awareness is a strong focus, with initiatives that connect pupils with peers in Uganda, allowing them to learn about different cultures. Pupils also gain knowledge about major world faiths and British values, fostering respect for diversity. Leadership and governance are committed to the school's ongoing development, with subject leaders actively seeking to enhance their expertise through collaboration with external organizations.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a culture of safety established throughout the school. Staff are trained to recognize and report concerns, and pupils are educated on personal safety, including online safety initiatives led by student safety officers. Overall, Kelsey Primary School is a supportive environment where pupils thrive academically and socially, although there are opportunities to enhance critical thinking and independent learning skills further.
