A Swindon primary school has been told it 'requires improvement' after a recent Ofsted inspection. 

Kingfisher CE Academy, in Wichelstowe, was being managed by the Diocese of Bristol Academy Trust (DBAT) but is transferring to new ownership alongside neighbouring secondary school The Deanery Academy. 

The Park Academies Trust is set to take over both schools in September after the DBAT announced it would be ceasing to exist following a damning Ofsted inspection of The Deanery which placed the secondary school into special measures. 

Now, following a recent Ofsted inspection carried out on February 20 this year and published in March, the new trust will know that there is room for improvement in the primary school as well. 

Kingfisher CE Academy was rated good in early years provision and personal development, but requires improvement in the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management by the education watchdog. 

The inspector said that although work to improve the curriculum had recently taken place, but had "not yet been implemented well enough to ensure that pupils learn the precise knowledge they need" which meant that "pupils did not build their knowledge as well as they could". 

They added: “The trust needs to ensure that learning is adapted when necessary to enable all pupils, including those with SEND, to progress as well as possible through the curriculum. 

Finally, the inspector said that improvements needed to be made in assessments of the pupil's knowledge. 

"The trust needs to ensure that assessment is used to inform teaching, to ensure there are no gaps in learning and to consolidate pupils’ understanding."

There was also a lot of praise for the school in the report, with the inspector stating that "Kingfisher wants the best for all pupils and aims for them to be successful."

A big point was made about the school being "at the heart of the community" with reference to the positive relationship between staff at the school and parents. 

It was also praised for encouraging personal development, its safeguarding and creating an inclusive environment for pupils with SEND needs.

The inspector said: "The school understands its community well. It involves the parents and the local community in the life of the school at every opportunity.

"Pupils can attend a variety of clubs. They enjoy the extra-curricular opportunities that are available to them.

"Older pupils take on responsibility as school librarians. Pupils learn about fundamental British values, such as democracy.”