King's Academy College Park (Infant)

Overview

Pupils are described as “happy and safe in this vibrant school,” guided by well-understood ‘dragon values’ such as kindness and resilience. The report highlights a “broad and ambitious curriculum” that is carefully sequenced, resulting in strengthening achievement in reading and mathematics. Leaders and staff are noted for being determined that all pupils achieve well, with positive relationships and a supportive culture evident throughout the school.

Strengths

• Pupils are “keen readers” who benefit from a well-delivered phonics programme and daily reading, becoming “confident and increasingly fluent.”
• The curriculum is “carefully sequenced across all subjects,” allowing pupils to build on prior knowledge, with staff skilfully encouraging communication skills in early years.
• Personal development is strong, with pupils learning about relationships, health, and keeping safe, while forming “strong relationships” and cooperating creatively.
• Staff receive training to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), who study the same curriculum as their peers.
• The school offers an “impressive range of extra-curricular activities,” including clubs and trips that help “bring learning to life.”

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure staff receive training on “appropriate pedagogical and activity choices” so that curriculum delivery is consistently effective, as some activities occasionally lack sharp focus.
• Leaders must ensure local governors understand their roles and receive training to “quickly become effective,” as the new local governing board is still in a transitional stage.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.