Kingsway Primary School in Gloucester has undergone a recent inspection, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on February 15 and 16, 2022, and marked a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The school’s motto of kindness, perseverance, and success is evident in the daily experiences of the pupils, contributing to a positive and safe environment where students feel confident and are able to succeed.
The staff at Kingsway Primary are dedicated and committed to the well-being and academic success of their pupils. They take the time to understand each child, from those in the nursery to those in Year 6. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive effective support, which has led to high attendance rates and positive attitudes towards learning. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with a calm and orderly atmosphere throughout the school. Pupils report that bullying is rare, and any issues that arise are typically resolved quickly by staff.
The curriculum at Kingsway Primary is ambitious and tailored to meet the needs of the pupils, resulting in good academic achievement and preparation for the next stages of education. However, there are some inconsistencies across subjects, which means that not all pupils experience the same high-quality learning. The governors have responded positively to the previous inspection's findings and have made necessary changes to improve the school. Their vision and ambition for the pupils drive the ongoing improvements, and they have maintained focus despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
The leadership team, including the headteacher and senior leaders, is ambitious for the pupils and has established effective systems to support their enjoyment and achievement. They are also focused on developing other leaders within the school to enhance capacity for continued improvement. Staff feel supported and empowered, with appropriate measures in place to help manage their workload.
The curriculum has been improved, with a clear outline of what pupils need to learn and when. It is designed to develop knowledge coherently across most subjects, including English and mathematics. Teachers utilize ongoing assessments to plan the next steps for pupils effectively. However, there are still areas, such as history and computing, where the curriculum could be more effective. Reading is prioritized, with a strong emphasis on phonics, ensuring that most pupils can read fluently by the end of Key Stage 1. Nonetheless, there are instances where phonics books do not align well with the sounds pupils are learning, which can hinder their progress.
The school places a strong emphasis on personal, social, and emotional development, offering various activities to boost pupils' confidence and self-esteem. The pastoral team collaborates closely with teachers to support pupils facing personal challenges, fostering resilience and independence. Pupils are encouraged to take part in the school's operations, contributing to a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with leaders committed to ensuring the safety of all pupils. Staff work diligently to promote mental health and emotional well-being, implementing timely interventions for those in need. While the school has made significant strides, there are still areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistency across the curriculum and matching phonics books to pupils' learning needs. Overall, Kingsway Primary School is a nurturing environment that prepares pupils well for their future educational journeys.
