Kingfisher CE Academy, located in Wichelstowe, Swindon, was inspected on 20 and 21 February 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school is rated as requiring improvement, alongside the quality of education and behaviour and attitudes. However, personal development and early years provision are rated as good. The school, which opened in 2021, is part of the Diocese of Bristol Academies Trust, with Sharon Bishop serving as the headteacher.
The inspection highlighted that while the school aims for all pupils to succeed, the curriculum is still in the early stages of development. Leaders have made efforts to enhance the quality of education, but the curriculum does not yet effectively support all pupils in building their knowledge. Some older pupils exhibit behaviour that negatively affects the school atmosphere, causing concern among their peers. The school is aware of these issues and is taking steps to address them.
In the early years, pupils adapt quickly to routines and demonstrate good behaviour. The curriculum effectively meets the needs of younger pupils, but engagement wanes among some older pupils in key stage one. The school is recognized for its strong community ties, with staff knowing pupils and families well and providing timely support when needed. Parents have expressed positive feedback regarding the school’s community engagement efforts.
The school promotes personal development through various opportunities, teaching pupils the importance of its values and how to stay safe. All children have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities. Recent curriculum improvements have been initiated, but implementation lacks precision, hindering pupils' ability to remember important knowledge and articulate their learning. Learning is not adapted swiftly enough to foster deeper understanding, and assessment practices are not yet effective in gauging pupils' retention of knowledge.
The reading curriculum is well-structured, with phonics instruction beginning as soon as children start school. Staff are well-trained in delivering this program, and reading is prioritized within the school. Pupils enjoy reading and actively participate in selecting books for class reading sessions. In the early years, staff effectively support language development and encourage independent thinking.
The school has established an inclusive environment, identifying pupils with special educational needs and disabilities early on. Parents of these pupils are involved in their education, and pupils with SEND participate fully in school life. However, they face similar challenges in the curriculum as their peers, with learning not always tailored to their needs.
The personal development curriculum is effective, teaching pupils about healthy relationships and the importance of a balanced diet. The school actively involves parents and the local community, offering various clubs and extracurricular opportunities. Older pupils take on responsibilities, such as serving as school librarians, and learn about fundamental British values.
Trustees and local governors understand their roles and have identified key areas for improvement. Support from trust leaders has positively impacted the school, although there is recognition that further work is needed. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school must enhance the implementation of the curriculum to ensure pupils acquire the necessary knowledge. Learning should be adapted to deepen understanding, particularly for pupils with SEND. Assessment practices need to be refined to check pupils' retention of knowledge and address any gaps in learning. Overall, while Kingfisher CE Academy has strengths, particularly in personal development and early years provision, significant improvements are needed in curriculum delivery and pupil engagement.
