Kilmersdon Church of England Primary School, located in Radstock, Somerset, underwent an inspection on May 8 and 9, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas of focus identified. The quality of education was also deemed to require improvement, while behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision were rated as good. Leadership and management were found to require improvement as well. The school has made strides in enhancing its early reading curriculum, which has positively impacted pupils' reading confidence. However, there remains a need for further development in other subjects to ensure a consistent and comprehensive curriculum is delivered as intended by school leaders.
Pupils at Kilmersdon Primary School experience a strong sense of belonging within a vibrant community. They actively participate in various events, demonstrating care for one another and listening to diverse perspectives. The warm relationships between staff and pupils contribute to a safe and supportive environment. The school offers a range of extracurricular opportunities, including visits to local sites and participation in clubs such as book club and choir, which help broaden pupils' interests and experiences.
The school has successfully improved its reading curriculum, with well-trained staff implementing a structured approach that allows pupils to read books aligned with their current knowledge. This has resulted in pupils becoming fluent readers. However, in some subjects, the curriculum lacks clarity regarding the essential knowledge that pupils need to learn and retain, leading to gaps in understanding. While certain subjects, like design and technology, have well-planned curricula, others do not consistently revisit key knowledge, hindering pupils' ability to build on their learning effectively.
In the early years, children receive a solid foundation, with a focus on vocabulary and understanding emotions. Activities are designed to support learning objectives, preparing children well for their transition to Year 1. Pupils demonstrate a strong understanding of British values and take their leadership roles seriously, engaging in initiatives that promote wellbeing and environmental care.
Despite positive attitudes towards learning and good behaviour, attendance remains slightly below national levels. The school is actively working to address this issue by analyzing attendance data and providing support to improve pupil attendance. Governors are taking steps to hold school leaders accountable for educational quality, recognizing the need for assurances regarding curriculum implementation and pupil learning.
The safeguarding arrangements at Kilmersdon Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school must refine its curriculum to clearly define the most important knowledge for pupils at each stage, ensuring that gaps in learning are addressed promptly. Additionally, the oversight of curriculum implementation needs to be strengthened to reduce variability in pupil learning outcomes across subjects.
Overall, while Kilmersdon Church of England Primary School has made commendable progress in certain areas, there are critical improvements needed in curriculum clarity, assessment practices, and oversight to enhance the educational experience for all pupils. The school community is committed to fostering a supportive and enriching environment, and with focused efforts, it can achieve the desired improvements in educational quality.