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Sept 2023

Last Updated: 25/09/2023

Education

Ofsted praises 'welcoming and friendly' Scotton school

by Flora Grafton

| 25 Sept, 2023

Scotton Lingerfield Primary School, near Knaresborough, has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.

The inspection took place in June this year and the findings were published in a report on Wednesday.

It maintains the school’s official ‘good’ rating from 2013.

When a school receives a ‘good’ rating, Ofsted visits about every four years to confirm the grading.

Government inspectors found the school to be welcoming and friendly, and said pupils are polite and courteous.

They added that pupils demonstrate the school’s three rules: be safe, be respectful and be responsible.

The report found:

"Older pupils play well with younger pupils at breaktimes and lunchtimes.

"This adds to a sense of community.

"Bullying is extremely rare. Pupils told inspectors that they did not think it took place."

During the visit, pupils were enthusiastically rehearsing songs for the end-of-year production, inspectors said, adding these opportunities support the development of pupils’ talents and interests effectively.

They commented:

"Leaders have designed and implemented a curriculum to meet the needs of pupils at the school.

"Children in reception begin to learn phonics from the start of the academic year. There are plentiful opportunities for children to apply their phonic knowledge within the classroom and outside area.

"Adults effectively model how to read with expression and interest to bring stories to life."

Leaders were also praised for their approach to pupils with special educational needs. Tasks are suitably adapted to enable them to access the curriculum and adults know when it is necessary to explain something in a simpler way, the report added.

It continued:

"Pupils are proud of their school.

"Older pupils are positive role models to younger pupils."

“Requires further refinement”

Ofsted did note, however, some of the curriculum requires further refinement.

The report added:

"In some subjects, leaders have not clearly defined the knowledge that pupils should learn as they progress through the school.

"Some pupils do not develop the depth of knowledge that they could in some subjects.

"Leaders should further develop the curriculum to support pupils to build their knowledge over time so that they are able to make connections within subjects and across the curriculum."

Headteacher “incredibly proud” of report

In response to the report, headteacher Debbie Calvert said:

"We are incredibly proud of the Ofsted report. The inspection was thorough and rigorous and offered a valuable opportunity to engage in professional conversations around all aspects of school life. All staff work tirelessly to ensure that pupils are happy, safe and able to achieve to their full potential. We are delighted that these efforts have been recognised across all areas of school.

"We couldn't have achieved this outcome without a huge team effort. We are blessed with hardworking staff, supportive families, knowledgeable governors and children who have excellent attitudes to their learning."

Chair of governors, Rob Manton, added:

"The passion that the staff put in, day in, day out is immeasurable.

"They truly make the school a special place for our children to learn."

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Thank you for your interest in this story

Ofsted praises 'welcoming and friendly' Scotton school

“Requires further refinement”

Headteacher “incredibly proud” of report

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