Silsden Primary School

Overview

The report describes a school where pupils are “polite, respectful, and caring” and feel safe within a “calm and orderly” environment. Leaders maintain high expectations for behaviour and ensure all pupils, including those with special educational needs, access an ambitious curriculum. The inspection highlights strong provision in reading and mathematics, alongside effective safeguarding arrangements.

Strengths

• The curriculum in mathematics is “carefully planned,” allowing pupils to “quickly understand new ideas” and apply them effectively.
• Reading is a “high priority,” with staff acting as “experts in helping pupils to read” using well-matched books and precise assessments.
• Pupils demonstrate pride in their work within a culture of “honesty and openness,” supported by “warm and caring relationships” with staff.
• Safeguarding arrangements are “effective,” with “robust procedures” for staff checks and meticulous follow-up for pupils needing extra support.
• Parents are “overwhelmingly supportive,” praising the school’s communication and the continuity of learning during the pandemic.

Areas to improve

• The science curriculum is “not well developed” and lacks precision, resulting in “gaps in their knowledge” and insecure understanding of concepts.
• Support for pupils with SEND is sometimes excessive, preventing them from building independence; strategies must “accurately reflect pupils’ needs.”
• Pupils’ understanding of diversity is “weaker,” as they do not fully grasp the different cultures, ethnicities, and family structures in modern Britain.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting that leaders maintain records well and adults take “swift action to ensure pupils are safe.”