Kirkby Woodhouse School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 June 2023

Pupils at Kirkby Woodhouse behave exceptionally well. They are a credit to the school. Pupils are keen learners who try their best in lessons, showing resilience when faced with tricky concepts. The atmosphere around school is calm and happy. Pupils show qualities of respect and kindness. They care for each other and express empathy for those experiencing difficulties. Pupils say that they feel safe at school. They say that adults are easy to talk to if they have any worries. Parents and carers also praise the support that staff provide for their children. They describe how teachers 'go far and beyond' for the sake of the pupils. Many pupils enjoy belonging to a range of groups and clubs. Some act as school or curriculum councillors, sports ambassadors or the 'green bees'. Pupils talk enthusiastically about the residential visits that take place in all year groups. All of these activities, and many others, ensure that pupils' broader personal development is very well promoted. If required, pupils can benefit from the school's strong pastoral support system. Younger children enjoy the 'emotions potions' activities that help them to understand their feelings. Pupils learn how to take care of their mental and physical health in age-appropriate ways.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of foundation subjects, the curriculum revision is not yet complete. In some cases, leaders do not provide teachers with the guidance needed to deliver a fully planned and sequenced curriculum. In other cases, teachers do not consistently implement the planned curriculum, including in the early years outdoor environment. Leaders should ensure that the curriculum is coherently planned and implemented in all areas, so that pupils know and remember more over time.
• Leaders do not promote some aspects of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development as well as they should. Pupils do not have a secure enough knowledge of different people's faiths. They do not fully understand the meaning of fundamental British values. Leaders should ensure that pupils are well prepared to take their place in modern British society, by developing a well-informed knowledge of an appropriate range of faiths and values.

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