Dringhouses Primary School

Overview

The report describes a school where pupils are “confident, creative, curious, community-minded and collaborative,” with positive relationships and attentive behaviour. Leaders have redesigned the curriculum, particularly in mathematics, and prioritised reading, though some subjects require further refinement. The inspection concludes that safeguarding arrangements are effective, despite some initial concerns regarding staff training consistency.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate strong character values and know how to stay safe online, including recognising secure websites and reporting bullying.
• The mathematics curriculum is “ambitious for all pupils,” with well-sequenced steps that help teachers deliver clear instruction.
• Reading is a high priority, supported by a dedicated library, daily reading sessions, and a new phonics scheme starting in Reception.
• The curriculum supports pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to develop independence and master basics before advancing.
• Pupils have meaningful leadership roles, such as Year 6 buddies for Reception children and playground leaders organising team games.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must embed checks on pupils’ knowledge across the wider curriculum to understand what pupils retain and influence future planning.
• Subject leaders need more opportunities and expertise to monitor their areas effectively, ensuring they have an accurate understanding of implementation.
• Leaders should provide regular safeguarding updates and training to ensure all staff follow procedures consistently.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting that while inspectors had concerns about some processes, leaders demonstrated they could “reflect and appropriately respond with plans and refined procedures.”