Kingsfield Primary School, located in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, has undergone significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as inadequate. The recent inspection, conducted on June 30 and July 1, 2022, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school is characterized by a welcoming and inclusive environment where pupils feel safe and well cared for. They enjoy their learning experiences, finding them engaging and stimulating. The school motto, Ready, respectful, and safe, is well understood by the pupils, guiding their interactions and behavior.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior in lessons and throughout the school, showing politeness and courtesy to visitors. While there are occasional instances of misbehavior, teachers address these swiftly. Most pupils attend regularly, although a small number experience persistent absenteeism, which affects their engagement with the curriculum. The school encourages pupils to take on responsibilities, fostering their independence through roles such as members of the school parliament.
Strong leadership has been pivotal in driving improvements in educational quality. New leaders are committed to providing a high-quality education for all pupils, and effective staff training has contributed to building a cohesive team. The curriculum is well-structured, ensuring that pupils acquire essential knowledge across a broad range of subjects, preparing them adequately for secondary education. Teachers utilize leaders' guidance effectively, employing engaging activities that promote pupil achievement. However, some teachers lack confidence in their subject knowledge, which can hinder the clarity of essential learning objectives for pupils.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, ensuring they have equal opportunities to succeed. The school has implemented a new reading program that emphasizes early reading skills, providing consistent teaching to help pupils develop fluency. The focus on reading is complemented by initiatives to foster a love of literature through well-resourced book corners and regular reading activities.
In the early years, children receive a strong start to their education, with a purposeful learning environment that promotes language development and cooperative work. Staff engage children in discussions about their work, enhancing their speaking and listening skills. The school also emphasizes the importance of good citizenship, with pupils participating in various responsibilities and receiving training for roles that promote leadership and teamwork.
Despite the many strengths, the school recognizes areas for improvement. Some teachers require further training to enhance their subject knowledge, ensuring that all pupils can retain key information effectively. Additionally, the school aims to address attendance issues for a minority of pupils, as regular attendance is crucial for accessing the well-planned curriculum. Furthermore, while personal development opportunities are well-structured, there is a need to broaden pupils' understanding of different cultures to better prepare them for life in a multicultural society.
Overall, Kingsfield Primary School has made commendable progress, transforming from an inadequate rating to a good one. The commitment of the leadership team, the dedication of the staff, and the positive attitudes of the pupils contribute to a thriving educational environment. The school is well-positioned to continue its journey of improvement, focusing on enhancing teaching practices, attendance, and cultural awareness among its pupils.
