Pye Bank CofE Primary School

Overview

Pupils are “happy to attend” the school, where staff maintain “high expectations” and a “calm and orderly” environment. The report describes a “thoughtfully constructed” curriculum that is “ambitious and sequenced,” with particular strength in reading and mathematics. Overall, the school provides a welcoming and safe experience for children and families.

Strengths

• Reading is “celebrated across the school,” with consistent phonics teaching and pupils motivated by a recommended reading list.
• The mathematics curriculum is “comprehensive,” using effective sequencing and regular checks to ensure pupils “remember what they have learned previously.”
• Pupils demonstrate “respect and kindness,” adhering to ‘the five golden rules’ and engaging in roles such as sports leaders or the ‘social action group’.
• Staff provide “care and timely support” for pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they are not “overwhelmed” and can access the curriculum.
• Leaders “support families well,” working with external agencies and promoting the importance of attendance.

Areas to improve

• Assessment systems in subjects such as geography are “not as fully established,” preventing teachers from efficiently identifying gaps in pupils’ knowledge over time.
• Some aspects of the personal, social, health and education curriculum are “not fully embedded,” with some pupils unsure about relationships and family make-up.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with “rigorous processes” in place to manage risks and staff trained to report concerns swiftly.