Crooksbarn Primary School

Overview

Crooksbarn Primary School has improved significantly since its previous inspection, now rated ‘Good’ across all key judgement areas. The report describes a school where pupils are “happy, safe and valued” within a “warm and caring atmosphere.” Leaders have successfully strengthened provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and prioritised staff well-being.

Strengths

• The curriculum is “carefully designed to build pupils’ knowledge over time,” with teachers routinely checking understanding and providing extra support for gaps.
• Phonics is taught consistently, enabling pupils to quickly become “fluent, confident readers” through well-matched books and targeted interventions.
• Staff create a “nurturing and inclusive environment” by supporting mental health, with clear behaviour routines ensuring pupils move “calmly through school.”
• The early years provision fosters independence and resilience, with staff skilfully interacting with children to “extend their understanding.”
• Pupils demonstrate strong personal development, showing respect for different faiths and a “strong understanding of equality and fundamental British values.”

Areas to improve

• In some subjects, learning activities do not consistently “deepen pupils’ knowledge effectively,” limiting opportunities for further understanding.
• The writing curriculum is not implemented consistently across year groups, meaning some pupils’ written work “lacks pride” and skills are not built progressively.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”