Kinlet C of E Primary School, located in Bewdley, Worcestershire, underwent an ungraded inspection on May 4, 2023. The overall judgement of the school remains good, although evidence suggests that a graded inspection might yield a lower rating. The inspectors recommend that the next inspection be a graded one. Since the arrival of a new headteacher and many new staff, expectations for pupils have been raised significantly. The staff demonstrate high ambitions for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities. They work diligently to support pupils in achieving their best.
Pupils at Kinlet C of E Primary School are noted for their courteous and friendly demeanor. They enjoy attending school and learning, and the new leadership has fostered warm and respectful relationships between adults and pupils. This positive environment has contributed to improvements in pupil behavior, with students expressing confidence that their teachers will address any issues promptly. The school has established a strong provision for enhancing pupils' personal development, offering a wide range of activities that promote their interests and personalities. These activities include external visitors, trips, competitions, and the daily mile, which encourages key stage two pupils to run a mile each morning, fostering a sense of community.
Despite these positive aspects, the school has experienced a decline in standards since the previous inspection. The new headteacher, appointed in January 2023, has initiated urgent changes to address this decline. The newly introduced curriculum is broad and ambitious, providing pupils with diverse learning opportunities. However, there are significant gaps in pupils' learning due to previous weaknesses in teaching and curriculum design, particularly for older pupils. Leaders have recognized these gaps and are actively working to address them through targeted support and interventions.
While staff effectively use assessments to identify gaps in knowledge and skills, the curriculum in foundation subjects is not as well developed as it should be. Teaching generally supports the new curriculum, with teachers demonstrating strong subject knowledge. However, some learning support staff lack the necessary expertise, indicating a need for further professional development. Reading has become a priority, and the new phonics scheme is helping pupils improve their reading fluency. Most pupils are beginning to read at age-appropriate levels, although some staff inconsistently implement the new scheme.
Pupil behavior is improving, but there are still instances where some students require additional support. Not all staff consistently apply behavior management strategies, leading to disruptions in lessons, particularly in key stage two. In the early years, children settle in quickly, but the curriculum is not as well structured as it could be, prompting leaders to develop a new curriculum.
Governance has been identified as an area needing improvement, as the local authority and diocese have not effectively addressed weaknesses in the past. The new headteacher is currently leading two schools, which may limit her capacity for sustained improvement. Despite these challenges, staff and parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the new leadership and the changes being implemented.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with well-trained staff who know how to respond to concerns about pupils. The safeguarding team collaborates effectively to ensure that pupils and families receive necessary support. Overall, while Kinlet C of E Primary School has made strides in certain areas, there are still significant challenges to address to ensure that all pupils receive the quality of education they deserve.
