Kirkbampton CofE School

Overview

The report states that the school has “improved considerably since the last inspection” and is now rated “Good” for overall effectiveness. Leaders have redesigned the curriculum to be “ambitious for all pupils,” resulting in a “secure body of subject knowledge” for most learners. Pupils are described as “proud of their school,” feeling safe, happy, and respectful, with high expectations for behaviour maintained by staff.

Strengths

• The curriculum is “well-designed and delivered,” with content ordered in a “logical way” so teachers know exactly what pupils must learn.
• Staff provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they “learn the same curriculum as their peers” and succeed.
• Early years provision is effective, with skilled staff encouraging children to become “independent and resilient,” particularly through outdoor exploration.
• Pupils develop into “fluent readers” through frequent practice with carefully selected books, and they enjoy reading for pleasure.
• Governors “fulfil all their statutory responsibilities” and consider staff workload, ensuring staff “feel valued by leaders and governors.”

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure a “consistent approach to checking how well pupils are learning in the foundation subjects,” as current systems are “slightly underdeveloped.”
• Occasional “gaps in pupils’ knowledge and understanding” in subjects other than English, mathematics, and science are not picked up quickly enough.

Safeguarding

The report confirms that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with staff receiving regular training and leaders following up on concerns “diligently.”