Kexborough Primary School, located in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 19-20, 2019. The school fosters a strong sense of community and inclusivity, with children expressing pride in being part of the school. Parents appreciate the supportive environment, noting that the school effectively addresses individual needs. The leadership and staff are dedicated to encouraging hard work among pupils, who display enthusiasm for learning and collaborate well with one another. This commitment to support ensures that students achieve well and are prepared for their future educational endeavors.
Pupil behavior is commendable, attributed to effective teaching and engaging learning experiences. The school environment is characterized by politeness and friendliness, with high expectations set for behavior, allowing for a calm and focused atmosphere conducive to learning. Most parents and pupils report that bullying is infrequent, and when it does occur, staff respond promptly. Students feel safe at school and are educated on online safety.
The school emphasizes cultural appreciation through various activities, including theater and museum visits, which enhance students' understanding of their curriculum. Leaders are actively working to improve the teaching of reading, particularly in the early years, collaborating with local educational hubs to ensure effective phonics instruction. Pupils begin their reading journey in Reception, with staff monitoring progress to prevent any learning gaps. While most staff are well-prepared, some new teachers are still completing their phonics training, which may lead to inconsistencies in teaching methods.
Pupils enjoy being read to, which supports their learning across subjects. They have access to a diverse range of books and express a love for reading. Once the phonics program is completed, students participate in daily guided reading lessons that enhance their analytical skills. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of subjects, with leaders ensuring that pupils build their knowledge progressively. However, some curriculum plans lack the necessary detail to guarantee that all pupils learn effectively, particularly in history.
Writing skills are developed through various opportunities across subjects, with teachers providing structured lessons that allow pupils to practice and apply their skills independently. Early years education is strong, with engaging activities that promote language development and storytelling.
The special educational needs coordinator ensures that pupils with additional needs are fully included in lessons, with personalized plans guiding staff on how to best support these students. Despite some recent staffing changes, the school community remains cohesive, with high morale among staff who appreciate the support from leadership.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff receiving regular training to identify and respond to potential risks. The school collaborates with external agencies to ensure the safety of all children. Employment checks for staff are thorough, and any issues identified during the inspection were promptly addressed.
To further improve, the school needs to enhance the detail in its curriculum plans to ensure consistent learning outcomes across all subjects. Subject leaders, particularly those new to their roles, should be supported in monitoring the impact of curriculum changes on pupil outcomes. Additionally, training for new teaching assistants in phonics should be prioritized to maintain high teaching standards. Overall, Kexborough Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing quality education and support for its pupils.
