The Kingfisher School is celebrating after receiving a Good judgement from Ofsted for the first time in its history. 

 

The primary school in St Anne’s Park, a valued member of Venturers Trust, was rated Good in all areas: overall effectiveness, quality of education, leadership and management, early years provision, behaviour and attitudes, and personal development. 

 

 “Pupils benefit from the high expectations that leaders and staff have of them, both academically and socially. Pupils meet these and are positive in their attitudes towards their learning. They strive to succeed and recognise that everyone should receive the support they need to do so,” the inspection report said. 

 

“Leaders, including those from the multi academy trust, are relentless in their ambition to improve the work of the school. They have a clear vision for the curriculum, and they ensure it meets the needs of all pupils.” 

 

Two inspectors visited the school, which has 155 pupils aged three to 11, in July.  

 

They noted that: 

 

• Relationships among pupils and with staff are positive and respectful; 
• Pupils understand that difference should be celebrated, and they show respect and care towards others; 
• Pupils have a strong sense of belonging to both their school and their community; 
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported, both pastorally and academically. 

 

Children were said to learn well in the early years and to be well prepared for the next steps. 

 

The report highlighted the priority given to reading and successful use of the phonics curriculum to support it as well as good use of assessment to adapt the curriculum in response to need. To improve further, the inspectors suggested further development in some subject areas.  

 

Safeguarding arrangements were said to be effective. “Pupils know that they can report any worries to a trusted adult who will act.”   

 

The inspectors said staff were proud to work at the school and positive about the support they receive from school and trust leaders.  

 

The Kingfisher School principal Kirsteen Craig said: “This report marks an important milestone in our school’s journey of improvement. Our staff team work with parents and carers to ensure all children receive the high-quality care and education they deserve; I am thrilled that these efforts have been recognised by Ofsted. I am also proud of our wonderful children, who showed the inspectors what a unique and special place The Kingfisher School is. Well done to them all.” 

 

David Watson, chief executive officer of Venturers Trust, said: “I am delighted that the hard work of colleagues and children at The Kingfisher School over several years has earned them their first Good report from Ofsted. The school is living out our trust’s vision:  all children, from all backgrounds, all succeeding.”