Kirkdale St Lawrence C of E VA Primary School in Liverpool has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on October 10 and 11, 2023. The school provides a nurturing and supportive environment where pupils feel valued and safe. Students express enjoyment in attending the school, highlighting the presence of trusted adults who they can approach with concerns. The school has recently revamped its curriculum, which has led to increased expectations for pupil achievement across all subjects. This shift has been positively received by students, who are working diligently to meet these higher standards and are achieving well in their learning.
Behavior among pupils is commendable, with students demonstrating respect for one another from their early years. The school fosters a calm and friendly atmosphere conducive to both learning and play. In addition to academic pursuits, pupils have access to a variety of extracurricular activities and responsibilities, such as serving as prefects or junior chaplains. The school collaborates with external organizations to support pupils' mental health, equipping them and their families with tools to enhance their well-being.
The curriculum is ambitious and designed to ensure that knowledge is built systematically from Nursery to Year 6. Teachers are well-prepared to deliver this curriculum and regularly assess pupils' learning to address misconceptions and provide additional support where needed. However, some pupils still experience gaps in their knowledge due to weaknesses in the previous curriculum design, which can hinder their ability to connect new learning with prior knowledge.
The school effectively identifies the additional needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, working closely with parents and external agencies to provide appropriate support. Teachers adapt their instructional methods to ensure that these pupils can learn alongside their peers successfully. The early reading program is well-structured, with children in the Nursery Year engaging in songs and rhymes that prepare them for phonics in Reception. By the end of Year 2, most pupils are fluent and confident readers.
Teachers maintain high expectations for pupil readiness to learn and manage low-level disruptions effectively, allowing for uninterrupted learning. The school prioritizes the wider development of pupils and embraces the diversity of the local community. Pupils gain an understanding and respect for different cultures and religions through various activities, including guest speakers and educational trips to culturally significant locations.
Staff well-being is also a priority, with the school taking steps to minimize unnecessary workload during curriculum changes. Attendance is emphasized, with initiatives like a free breakfast club to encourage regular school attendance. Parents appreciate the school's collaborative approach to supporting their children's education and well-being, including workshops on phonics and early reading.
While the governing body provides appropriate support, there are areas where their knowledge of the school could be strengthened, which may affect their ability to hold the school accountable effectively. The arrangements for safeguarding are deemed effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To improve, the school should focus on addressing knowledge gaps resulting from the previous curriculum and enhance the governors' oversight to better challenge the school’s practices and priorities. Overall, Kirkdale St Lawrence C of E VA Primary School continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
