Ofsted has released a report following a recent visit to a Herefordshire Primary School.
Ofsted visited Kimbolton St James CofE Primary School on 19th October 2022 and rated the school as continuing to be a ‘good school’.
In the report, Ofsted said:
‘Be the best I can be’ is a frequently heard statement from both staff and pupils. It goes beyond a statement. Pupils behave well. They enjoy school and are proud to work and learn together. Parents and carers value the family and community spirit.
Staff know the pupils well across the school. Strong, nurturing relationships, alongside high expectations, ensure that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well.
Pupils know about different forms of bullying. They say it sometimes happens but adults sort it. Pupils spoke highly of the care all staff give them and feel safe. They appreciate that they can talk to adults in school about their feelings. Pupils embrace and fully participate in school life and beyond, for example through the student council, gardening club and a range of fundraising activities. Pupils understand and show respect, especially within the school’s Christian values.
However, pupils’ understanding of some fundamental British values is less well developed. Animals are a unique part of the school. Pupils love chatting to the goats at playtime. A cat checks in on lessons. Pupils choose to share their unusual reading places, from the
back of a pony or in the sheep pen.
What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?
Leaders have clearly set out the key learning that pupils should gain across every subject of the curriculum. Leaders have worked hard and effectively to make sure the curriculum is designed around the mixed-age classes. Their careful thought and attention to detail about the curriculum content, vocabulary and assessment ensures that pupils gradually build up what they know over time.
FULL REPORT – Ofsted | Kimbolton St James CofE Primary School
