Kingfisher Primary Academy, located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 26-27, 2019. The school fosters a positive learning environment where pupils enjoy their education and engage well with one another. They demonstrate politeness and courtesy towards peers and adults alike, contributing to a respectful atmosphere. During lessons, students actively participate in discussions, enhancing their vocabulary and understanding of the subjects. The relationships between teachers and pupils are strong, creating a supportive community where both parties enjoy spending time together.
The school emphasizes the importance of purposeful play, teaching pupils how to interact kindly and engage in various games. Pupils are encouraged to debate relevant issues, such as environmental concerns and political matters, which fosters a sense of responsibility and pride in making a difference. For instance, they raised funds for orangutans through a book they authored on plastic pollution and deforestation. This initiative not only highlights their awareness of global issues but also instills a sense of accomplishment.
Classrooms at Kingfisher Primary Academy are characterized by productivity and engagement. The curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to focus on their tasks and behave appropriately. The school addresses bullying effectively, ensuring that pupils feel safe and happy. Leaders are attuned to the community's needs and have designed a curriculum that equips pupils with essential knowledge and skills. This curriculum is delivered effectively by teachers, resulting in a good quality of education.
Most subjects have clear plans outlining the skills pupils should acquire, and teachers utilize these plans to create stimulating lessons. Pupils are able to demonstrate their learning through various projects, particularly in subjects like English, mathematics, art, science, and computing. The school ensures that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive appropriate work that challenges them while remaining achievable.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement. Specifically, the plans for history and geography are not as developed as those for other subjects, although leaders have a realistic timeline for enhancing these areas. Teachers are generally clear about learning objectives, but there is a need for better assessment practices to ensure pupils retain key knowledge over time. Some pupils struggle to remember important information, which can hinder their ability to build on previous learning.
Reading is a priority at Kingfisher Primary Academy, with both pupils and teachers recognizing its significance. The school has made strides in improving reading accuracy and fluency, particularly by Year 2. However, there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of books sent home for pupils, especially those learning phonics. Ensuring that reading materials align with the sounds being taught is crucial for supporting pupils' development.
In the early years, children in Nursery and Reception are introduced to foundational skills across various subjects. Teachers focus on ensuring that pupils are prepared for Year 1 by teaching essential facts and encouraging language development through storytelling. The school also promotes character development through discussions on global themes, preparing pupils to be responsible citizens.
Overall, Kingfisher Primary Academy is a good school that provides a supportive and engaging learning environment. While there are areas for growth, particularly in reading resources and curriculum planning for certain subjects, the school demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
