Ofsted inspectors praise 'meticulously designed' early years curriculum at Leeds primary school

Christ The King Catholic Primary School, located on Kings Approach, Bramley, received a ‘Strong Standard’ rating in the areas of attendance and behaviour, early years, inclusion, and personal development and wellbeing during a recent Ofsted inspection.

Previously rated overall Good in 2021, the school also scored an ‘Expected Standard’ score in achievement, curriculum and teaching, and leadership and governance during the inspectors visit on January 6.

“The early years curriculum is meticulously designed to reflect children's prior experiences and starting points. There is a sharp emphasis on supporting children's speech and language development,” the education watchdog’s report said.

“Children begin phonics early in the Reception Year and the teaching they receive is highly effective. This is reflected in the high proportion of pupils who go on to pass the Year 1 phonics screening check.”

Since the last inspection, leaders have worked tirelessly to improve attendance and reduce persistent absence, according to the report. Their efforts have led to notable and sustained improvements, particularly for key groups of pupils, such as those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Pupils at Christ The King “behave consistently well” because staff use the same positive and proactive approaches to managing each pupils' behaviour. Pupils are said to have a mature understanding of their emotions and recognise when they may need help to regulate them.

Leaders have established effective systems to identify pupils' additional needs and any barriers to their attendance or learning, the report said. The “well-thought-out provision” for pupils with more complex special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) supports pupils well.

Focusing on areas of potential improvement, inspectors added: “Pupils, including those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make very positive progress through the curriculum. This is especially evident in English and mathematics.

“Typically, pupils achieve well across the wider curriculum. However, in some of these subjects there is variation in the quality of pupils’ work because expectations are not always high enough. As a result, sometimes pupils’ learning is less secure.”

Pupils consistently live out the school's values and virtues, which is “testament to the strength of its personal development offer,” according to the report. Pupils show high levels of respect and tolerance for others and are unwavering in their belief that everyone should be treated equally.

The school places emphasis on building relationships with families. Parents and carers value the support they receive. One parent echoed the views of many when they described the school as a “hidden gem.”