First inspection sees West Sussex school rated outstanding for early years

A Horsham school’s first Ofsted inspection has seen it awarded ‘Good’ across the board and Outstanding for early years as inspectors praised the high expectations teachers have for all pupils.

Kilnwood Vale Primary School opened for the first time in September 2019, and offers a ‘carefully considered’ curriculum for the 287 children aged from two to 11. The school’s early years provision was rated as Outstanding following the December visit of the inspectors.

“The school’s vision to ‘inspire, nurture, enable’ is lived out daily by pupils throughout all aspects of their learning. There is a warm and welcoming environment where pupils keenly greet visitors and share their positive experiences of the education provided,” says the report.

Head of School, Laura Burke, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Ofsted has rated our school as Good with an Outstanding early years. The inspectors saw the high aspirations we have for all our learners.

“Our relentless focus on oracy was celebrated throughout the process. The Senior Leadership Team and I are thrilled that our growing school has been recognised for the strengths that we see daily and we are excited to continue developing the school.”

Early years provision at the school, a member of the GLF Schools Multi-Academy Trust, sees exceptional planned learning activities in the nursery which prepares children for the next stages of their education journey.

“Careful thought has been given as to how learning builds better over time. Leaders in each phase are clear about  the knowledge that pupils need to gain in most subjects, and in what order,” the report says.

The ‘polite and respectful’ behaviour of pupils was also  highlighted and  the report which said ‘playtimes are joyous and energetic’ with a variety of equipment and sports clubs on offer, organised by ‘play leaders.’

“Pupils are well-known by staff. This ensure that pupils get the help they need to learn positively,” said Ms Burke

High aspirations of the school’s staff and well-established routines see children learn both independently and collectively. Members of staff are also well-supported  through professional development that is ‘thoughtfully planned in collaboration with the trust’.

“Trips, visitors and celebrations help pupils learn more about subjects such as history, design technology and religious education,” the inspection team noted.