Kiveton Park Infant School

Overview

The report describes a school with a “real sense of family” where leaders have established an “influential vision” that inspires staff to be ambitious for pupils’ learning. Pupils are described as “happy and safe” in this “caring school,” benefiting from a “truly inclusive culture” and high-quality support for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Strengths

• Leaders have made reading a priority, ensuring staff are well-trained to help pupils master phonics and become “fluent readers.”
• Children in early years get off to a “flying start in mathematics,” becoming “confident with number quickly” through step-by-step guidance.
• Pupils with SEND “flourish” due to “expert guidance” and precise next steps planned in collaboration with parents and carers.
• Staff teach pupils to treat each other with “kindness and respect,” resulting in harmonious breaktimes and very little bullying.
• Leaders provide “exciting opportunities” for pupils to learn about the wider world, including careers and debating skills.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure that behaviour expectations in lessons are “consistently applied,” as some staff are not clear enough about them, leading to occasional distractions.
• Leaders should ensure staff receive the right training to implement all aspects of the curriculum effectively, as ambitious plans are not always realised in subjects like history.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting that staff are vigilant, well-trained, and work closely with external agencies to support pupils and families.