Kislingbury Primary School, located in Northamptonshire, was inspected on March 7 and 8, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has established a caring environment where pupils express happiness in attending. The school's Christian ethos is central to its operations, promoting values such as courage, kindness, forgiveness, and friendship. Pupils report that the atmosphere is friendly, and they feel safe, with a strong emphasis on positive behavior and anti-bullying measures.
The leadership team is ambitious in preparing pupils for life in modern Britain, incorporating lessons about diverse cultures and faiths. Each pupil belongs to a school house named after inspirational figures, fostering a sense of community and leadership opportunities. The school council plays an active role in decision-making, contributing to initiatives like playground improvements.
The curriculum is well-structured and ambitious, with detailed plans outlining essential knowledge for pupils. Leaders have tailored the curriculum to meet the specific needs of Kislingbury's pupils, ensuring effective delivery in mixed-age classes. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and adhere closely to the school's teaching approach. Lessons often begin with a review of prior learning, allowing pupils to engage actively in their education. This method has proven effective, as pupils retain key knowledge well, particularly in subjects like geography.
While the school has introduced a new assessment system for foundation subjects, there is room for improvement in utilizing this data to refine the curriculum. Some curriculum leaders have not fully monitored the implementation of their subjects, which may hinder the assessment of pupils' retention of knowledge over time. It is essential for leaders to ensure that foundation subject leaders have opportunities to evaluate the curriculum's delivery and its impact on learning.
Pupils exhibit enthusiasm for learning from an early age, developing positive attitudes and essential skills in the early years. Those with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, allowing them to engage with the curriculum effectively. The school prioritizes reading, with a commitment to daily reading sessions and a focus on phonics instruction. Pupils read books that align with their phonetic knowledge, fostering confidence and fluency in reading.
The school promotes a love of reading through diverse literature and daily storytime, which pupils enjoy immensely. Additionally, there are numerous extracurricular opportunities for pupils to explore their interests, including sports and arts, with clubs initiated by student requests.
Staff members appreciate the consideration given to their workload and well-being, contributing to a positive school culture. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify and respond to potential risks to pupils. Pupils feel secure and know they can approach trusted adults for support.
To enhance the school's effectiveness, leaders must ensure that assessment information is used to improve the curriculum and maximize pupils' learning. Monitoring by foundation subject leaders should be strengthened to evaluate the curriculum's implementation and its impact on pupils' knowledge retention. Overall, Kislingbury Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all its pupils.
