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24

Nov 2022

Last Updated: 23/11/2022
Education
Education

Rapidly growing Killinghall school praised by Ofsted

by John Plummer

| 24 Nov, 2022
Comment

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The school, rated 'good' by Ofsted, has doubled in size from 95 to 183 pupils in the last 10 years.

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Killinghall Church of England Primary School has been rated 'good' in its first full Ofsted inspection for 10 years.

The village school has doubled in size from 95 to 183 pupils since its last full inspection in 2012.

Inspectors praised the way it had coped with the challenges presented by rapid growth and said leaders had created "a highly inclusive school community where pupils are valued" and pupils "are happy and feel safe".

The school was rated 'good' in five of the six areas assessed and 'outstanding' for early years provision.

The report, published on Tuesday, said:

"Children get off to an excellent start in the early years. Most pupils behave well. They show kindness and consideration for others.
"Bullying is not a problem in the school. Pupils know that they can talk to any of the adults in school if they are worried about something. They are confident that adults will act quickly."


Leaders, they added, had created "an ambitious curriculum", staff were described as "skilled" and safeguarding arrangements were found to be "effective".



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Sarah Bassitt, who has been headteacher for 12 years, said:

"We are really pleased, especially after the challenges presented by covid and flooding to the key stage two classrooms from February to May this year.
"I'm particularly pleased with the early years assessment and the comments saying we are caring and the pupils are happy."


Areas for improvement


Ofsted identified two areas for improvement: ensuring expectations for pupils’ behaviour "are consistently high across the school" and ensuring "processes for identifying and monitoring pupils with special education needs are consistently strong and that targets are precise".

Ms Bassitt said the school had already adopted a new plan for pupils with special education needs.

Marion McCormick, co-chair of governors at the school, said:

"We have a great deal of pride in the hard work and commitment that has led to this very good result.
"The report reflects the enthusiasm and high standards that embody all that the school stands for.
"The strength and resilience shown by the headteacher and her team to achieve this following a major flood throughout key stage two deserves huge praise."