Kirk Sandall Infant School

Overview

Kirk Sandall Infant School is judged as ‘Good’ across all inspection categories, marking an improvement from its previous ‘Requires improvement’ rating. The report highlights that the school has “high expectations for pupils” which are successfully realised, resulting in a positive environment where pupils are safe and behave well. Leaders have implemented “purposeful changes to the curriculum” that are having a tangible positive impact on learning and achievement.

Strengths

• Phonics teaching has improved significantly, with staff delivering the programme with “accuracy” and using consistent strategies to address knowledge gaps.
• The curriculum is described as “ambitious and clearly sequenced,” ensuring pupils develop a “secure understanding” of subjects like mathematics and history.
• Early years provision is a strength, with staff who “know the children well” and design activities that effectively support development.
• Pupils demonstrate “extremely strong” understanding of online safety and healthy relationships, supported by a well-considered personal development offer.
• Staff morale is high, with an “open developmental culture” where leaders consider workload and well-being effectively.

Areas to improve

• The school should help pupils remember the religious education curriculum so they have a “clear and accurate understanding” of diverse faiths in modern Britain.
• Leaders must ensure pupils’ resilience is developed so they can maintain focus over “more sustained periods of time” during learning activities.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”