Kemble Primary School, located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, has recently undergone an inspection on the 21st and 22nd of November 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, with specific areas such as behaviour and attitudes, and personal development receiving outstanding ratings. The quality of education and early years provision were also rated as good, while leadership and management were deemed good as well. The headteacher, Emma Morrogh-Ryan, leads the school, which is part of the Corinium Education Trust, overseen by CEO Chiquita Henson and a board of trustees chaired by Martin McLeman.
The school provides an environment where pupils thrive as knowledgeable and active citizens. The personal development program is particularly strong, encouraging students to advocate for others and fostering exemplary behaviour and attitudes. Attendance is high, and pupils feel safe and well cared for by the staff. The school maintains a calm and orderly atmosphere, with older students mentoring younger ones, which helps children develop social skills and learn to collaborate effectively.
Kemble Primary School has high aspirations for its pupils, which is evident in its ambitious curriculum, particularly in personal, social, and health education. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and are encouraged to engage in physical activities. They also learn about growing their own food and are inspired to consider future careers that contribute positively to society. The school emphasizes respect and tolerance, teaching pupils that diversity is valuable and promoting a culture of sharing thoughts and opinions with maturity.
The school’s vision aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that pupils are well-versed in fundamental British values. The focus on reading is a priority, with staff demonstrating a solid understanding of phonics. Young learners are provided with books that correspond to their phonics knowledge, and additional support is available for those who need it. The school encourages a love of reading through author visits and participation in local literary events.
Since the last inspection, the school has made significant strides in developing its curriculum, with most subjects sequenced effectively to build knowledge and skills over time. Leaders have identified essential knowledge that pupils should acquire from early years through Year 6, breaking it down into manageable steps for teachers to assess understanding accurately. However, some subject curriculums, particularly in the early years, require further development to ensure that essential knowledge is clearly defined, allowing for better planning and assessment.
The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they learn effectively. Staff maintain high expectations for behaviour, instilling conflict resolution skills and personal responsibility from an early age. The trust prioritizes professional development for staff, governors, and trustees, fostering collaboration across schools.
The safeguarding arrangements at Kemble Primary School are effective, creating a safe and supportive environment for all pupils. While the school excels in many areas, it must continue to strengthen the connections between concepts in certain subjects to enhance pupils' understanding and retention of knowledge. Overall, Kemble Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for its students.
