Kirklington Primary School is a small rural institution that fosters a strong sense of community and belonging among its pupils. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where children feel safe and happy. Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school, noting that their children are excited about learning and enjoy the diverse activities offered. The leadership team has established a culture of kindness, respect, and high expectations, which contributes to the positive behavior observed among students. Pupils are engaged in their learning, participating actively in lessons and collaborating effectively with their peers.
The school has implemented a broad and balanced curriculum designed to build on students' prior knowledge and skills. Leaders have worked collaboratively with other schools to ensure that the curriculum aligns with national standards. The curriculum is rich and engaging, with a strong emphasis on outdoor learning through the forest school initiative. However, there are some foundation subjects where the curriculum is still being developed, and leaders have not yet fully identified the specific learning steps required for pupils to achieve their best. This gap can affect the depth of knowledge and recall among some students.
Phonics instruction is a priority at Kirklington Primary, with children beginning their phonics education in the nursery. Recent improvements in early reading instruction have been noted, with a systematic approach to phonics that incorporates songs and stories. While most staff are effectively implementing the phonics program, some are still gaining confidence in its delivery, which may impact the learning experience for some pupils. Nonetheless, the core elements of the program are being applied consistently, leading to rapid progress in reading skills among students.
Teachers at the school demonstrate strong subject knowledge and work collaboratively with teaching assistants to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders are proactive in identifying the needs of these pupils and providing targeted support to ensure their success. The personal development program is comprehensive, teaching pupils about relationships and respect for diversity. Students also benefit from a variety of extracurricular activities and residential trips, which enhance their school experience and help them prepare for the transition to secondary education.
Governance at Kirklington Primary is effective, with governors holding leaders accountable and ensuring that the school serves the local community well. Leaders actively involve parents in their children's education, valuing their feedback and addressing their concerns. Staff members report high levels of job satisfaction and feel supported by the leadership team, which prioritizes their well-being and workload management.
The school's safeguarding arrangements are robust, with staff receiving regular training to ensure the safety and welfare of pupils. Leaders are vigilant in identifying and addressing any concerns, providing timely support to students and their families. Pupils are educated about safety in various contexts, including online safety, and they feel confident in approaching adults with any worries.
While Kirklington Primary School continues to be a good school, there are areas for improvement. Leaders must focus on embedding the phonics program to ensure all staff are confident in its delivery. Additionally, the curriculum in some foundation subjects requires further development to provide teachers with the necessary information to plan effectively. By addressing these areas, the school can enhance the educational experience for all its pupils and continue to thrive as a supportive and nurturing environment.
