Kibblesworth Academy is recognized as a good school, demonstrating a strong commitment to the well-being and academic success of its pupils. The school fosters an environment where students feel valued, cared for, and safe, contributing to high levels of attendance and engagement. Leaders and staff maintain high expectations for all students, focusing on both personal development and academic achievement. The curriculum is well-structured, ensuring that pupils excel in core subjects such as reading and mathematics while also providing enriching opportunities in areas like art and dance.
Pupils exhibit exemplary behavior in both classroom settings and on the playground, creating a calm and orderly atmosphere conducive to learning. Incidents of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, they are addressed promptly by staff, who work collaboratively with students and parents to resolve any issues. The school is an integral part of the local community, with parents expressing overwhelming positivity about the support their children receive. They appreciate the approachable nature of the staff and actively participate in school events, such as performances and coffee mornings.
The curriculum is ambitious and designed to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have carefully mapped the progression of early reading and mathematics from Nursery through Year 6. However, there are some foundation subjects where the connections between the early years curriculum and Year 1 are not as clear, and leaders are actively working to strengthen these links.
Teachers effectively implement the curriculum, utilizing various strategies to ensure that pupils retain essential knowledge. For instance, in mathematics, retrieval activities are employed to reinforce learning, while in history, teachers provide clear explanations that help students understand chronological concepts. Despite these strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the retention of previously taught history topics, which leaders are currently addressing through research and trialing new strategies.
Assessment practices are robust, allowing teachers to identify gaps in learning and misconceptions effectively. The school places a strong emphasis on developing confident and fluent readers, with staff receiving training in phonics and early reading. This consistent approach has resulted in most pupils achieving secure phonic knowledge by the end of Year 1. The school encourages a love for reading, with pupils expressing enthusiasm for a diverse range of quality texts.
The ethos of mutual respect is evident throughout the school, with clear guidance on expected behavior provided from the early years. Pupils demonstrate exceptional behavior and take pride in their work, as reflected in their books and displays around the school. The nurturing of personal development is a notable strength, with a wide range of extracurricular activities available to students, fostering leadership qualities and community involvement.
The headteacher and deputy headteacher are well-informed about the school's strengths and areas for development, supported by an engaged governing body. Staff feel valued and motivated, contributing to a positive school culture. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff promptly identifying vulnerable pupils and working with families and agencies to provide necessary support.
While the school is performing well, there are areas identified for improvement, particularly in ensuring that the early years curriculum effectively links to Year 1 in some foundation subjects and in further enhancing retrieval practices to improve knowledge retention across the curriculum. Overall, Kibblesworth Academy continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
