‘Everyone is welcome’ at Cherry Burton Primary School as it continues to be a good school in its latest Ofsted Inspection.
The school was visited prior to the summer holidays and was found to be Good overall, a status it has held since 2012.
With 184 pupils, the school was praised for its friendly and inclusive environment which is reflected in how quickly new pupils settle into the school.
Parents and carers are said to appreciate the ‘friendly, family atmosphere’, particularly shown in the kindness from staff and pupils, making these relationships strong throughout the school.
The inspectors said: “Pupils are polite and well mannered.
“Pupils say that there is always someone to talk to if they have a problem or are worried about something.
“Bullying is not an issue because of the respect pupils have for each other and knowledge that staff will sort out issues.”
Since the last inspection, leaders and governors have improved their oversight of the curriculum and the offer for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
The report went on to say: “These are now strengths of the school. Staff say they are proud to work at the school and are trusted by leaders to do a good job.
“Leaders are highly ambitious for all pupils in the school. This is particularly the case for pupils with SEND, who achieve well.
“The thoughts and feelings of pupils with SEND are well considered in how their needs are met.
“They are thriving in school and feel confident in what they are doing because of all the subtle changes and adaptations teachers make for them.”
The inspection found that teachers at the primary school are skilled at what they do, being able to anticipate what pupils may find difficult and explaining the new ideas carefully and clearly.
Inspectors added: “There is a focus on children in the early years gaining a firm grasp in reading and writing early on.
“The leaders introduced a new phonics scheme and teachers are able to use this effectively.
“Children learn how to form letters linked to the sounds they are taught and have read a range of books to practise their reading.”
The report states that the school’s arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders going out of their way to support the mental health and well-being of pupils and families.
Headteacher at Cherry Burton Primary School, Mrs Joy, was delighted at the grading.
She told Beverley Life: “We were delighted to maintain our good grading in recognition of the hard work and dedication of the whole school community.
“We pride ourselves in being a nurturing and inclusive school, where all children are supported in order to achieve individual success.
“This was recognised earlier this year, when the school achieved the National Nurturing Schools Award and was further validated in this most recent Ofsted report.”
Areas marked for improvement were teachers’ knowledge of some foundation subjects, such as history and DT.
It was found leaders have not planned out in enough detail the key knowledge pupils should learn, but changes to this are already being made by the leaders.
Occasional disruption from pupils being distracted by other students in their class and children in early stages of reading being given books that are not precisely matched to their individual level was also flagged for improvement.
