Bishop Monkton Church of England Primary School

Overview

The report describes a school where leaders ensure their vision for pupils to be ‘healthy, happy and vibrant individuals’ becomes a reality. Pupils are confident, enjoy a broad curriculum enriched by local context, and benefit from high expectations for those with special educational needs. While overall effectiveness is rated Good, the report identifies specific inconsistencies in behaviour management and gaps in the writing curriculum that require attention.

Strengths

• Leaders have designed a ‘broad and balanced’ curriculum that builds understanding over time, using the local area as a context for learning.
• The school’s oversight of special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is a strength, with staff having ‘the highest expectations’ and providing tailored support.
• Early years provision is effective, with children nurtured in a welcoming environment and taught to access learning activities independently.
• Pupils are confident in expressing their views and feel safe, with bullying described as ‘rare’.
• Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with clear systems for identifying needs and timely referrals to external agencies.

Areas to improve

• The English curriculum does not outline specific key components of writing or when they should be taught, leading to standards in writing that are ‘not as high as standards in other subject areas’.
• There is inconsistency in staff implementing the new behaviour policy, resulting in some low-level disruptive behaviour and inconsistent pupil engagement.
• The governing body receives minimal information about behavioural trends, preventing them from assessing if the policy is improving behaviour.

Safeguarding

The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’, noting that staff are vigilant, training is up to date, and referrals to external agencies are thorough and timely.