Kilkhampton Junior and Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 September 2023

Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), flourish at this inclusive, community-oriented school. They contribute to the friendly, family atmosphere. Pupils say that bullying does not happen. They recognise that staff look after them and sort issues out quickly. Pupils say they feel safe. Parents are positive about their children's experiences. They also believe that their children are well looked after. Pupils, like staff, strive to live by the school's motto of 'be the best you can be'. Pupils enjoy lessons. They respond positively to what their teachers ask them to do. Pupils are attentive and look to do their best, although, sometimes, teachers could ask them to work harder. Pupils enjoy the range of subjects they are taught and recognise that they are well prepared for the next stage of their education. They also know that there are a few subjects where they do not learn as well. Pupils behave well. High expectations are widely shared by all. There is a strong link between the school's motto and the policies followed to promote positive behaviour. This is effective. Leaders ensure that staff focus on developing pupils' characters in a range of ways. As a result, pupils' well-being is promoted particularly well. This helps pupils to feel valued, listened to and happy.

What the school should improve

• Leaders' work on the curriculum has resulted in many successes. However, subject leadership, planning and pupils' learning need more time to embed in some subjects, like history. Leaders should build on and strengthen the role of subject leaders so that curriculum planning is coherent, ambitious and well sequenced in all subjects. This will help to ensure that the delivery of the curriculum by teachers is strong across all subjects and that pupils' outcomes improve further.
• Monitoring of the curriculum by leaders and governors is not as sharp as it needs to be. Sometimes, leaders rely too much on data or by observing lessons. Leaders should do more to check how well pupils remember key knowledge when evaluating the effectiveness of the curriculum and the impact of leaders' and teachers' work.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)