Kniveton CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 December 2024

The school has a strong community ethos. It fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. Both staff and pupils embody and live daily the school's AIR (ambition, independent and respect) values. Pupils are very proud of their school. They are safe, happy and want to be at school. They are welcoming and polite. They know that adults look out for them, listen and provide help when needed. Pupils' behaviour is respectful and positive. Most pupils meet the school's high expectations for their behaviour and learning. The school's approach to improving behaviour is effective. Pupils learn well. Pupils have many opportunities to engage with a range of experiences. These include sporting, musical and creative opportunities. The school is actively involved with the community. For example, pupils sang joyfully in their carol celebration and they make mature decisions about charity fundraising. Pupils enjoy a range of trips and visits that enrich their learning, including to the theatre and residential outdoor activity visits. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the school. One parent, echoing the views of many, commented: 'The school has a real community, family feel and children are very happy; they enjoy their school life… Staff are approachable; they nurture the whole child.'

What the school should improve

• The school is not ensuring that all aspects of the intended learning are being taught in all foundation subjects during the academic year. Consequently, in some subjects, the knowledge that pupils develop over time is not as well developed as it could be. The school should ensure that pupils learn the full, planned curriculum in all subjects, thus enabling them to know, remember, and do more over time.
• The governing body does not have a sharp, strategic oversight of the school's provision. Consequently, it does not support or hold the school to account as well as it could. The school must ensure that the governing body has the necessary knowledge and skills to be able to provide appropriate support and challenge.
• Some aspects of pupils' personal development is not as comprehensive as it needs to be. As a result, pupils do not gain as deep an appreciation of fundamental British values as they could. The school must ensure that pupils are fully prepared for life in modern Britain.

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