Ben Rhydding Primary School, located in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 9 and 10, 2024. The school fosters an environment where pupils are encouraged to demonstrate empathy, curiosity, and courage both in and out of the classroom. Older students take on the role of buddies for younger children, assisting them during educational visits and reading sessions. This peer support helps to create a strong sense of community within the school, where pupils actively engage with their local environment through initiatives such as gardening clubs, singing for care home residents, and organized litter picking.
The staff at Ben Rhydding Primary School are dedicated to ensuring that every pupil reaches their full potential. Parents have noted that teachers often go above and beyond to support their children’s learning. The enthusiasm for learning is particularly evident among early years pupils, who thrive in a nurturing environment where they feel safe and happy. The school’s pastoral support is of high quality, contributing to a positive atmosphere where pupils are eager to learn.
Pupils exhibit excellent behavior and a strong attitude towards their education. They respond positively to staff inquiries and show a genuine thirst for knowledge. The school provides numerous opportunities for learning beyond the classroom, with pupils expressing excitement about visits to local activity centers, nature reserves, museums, and theaters. This exposure helps them develop a deep respect for diversity and an understanding of those who are different from themselves. The school is characterized by kindness and tolerance, celebrating each pupil's individuality and achievements.
The curriculum at Ben Rhydding Primary School is regularly reviewed to meet the diverse needs of all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have carefully considered the essential knowledge, skills, and vocabulary that pupils should acquire in each subject. The quality of pupils' work is commendable, particularly in art and design, where their sketchbooks reflect significant improvement over time. However, there is a noted lack of opportunities for pupils to practice sculpture, which limits their breadth of knowledge in this area.
Classroom discussions are encouraged, particularly in mathematics, where pupils engage with complex problems and are guided towards solutions by skilled staff. The implementation of a prosody curriculum has enhanced pupils' speaking, reading, and writing abilities, resulting in strong outcomes in these areas. While pupils generally demonstrate a secure recall of what they have learned, there are instances where staff miss opportunities to assess understanding, particularly in some foundation subjects. This can lead to gaps in vocabulary and skills compared to other subjects.
Pupils are exposed to a wide range of texts and express enthusiasm for reading. The school ensures that reading instruction begins as soon as children enroll, with a well-resourced early years environment that promotes language and literacy. Staff are knowledgeable and skilled, providing the necessary support for early readers to gain confidence. The early years setting is engaging and well-planned, focusing on developing specific skills and knowledge through various activities.
The wider curriculum effectively prepares pupils for life in modern Britain, emphasizing the importance of physical and mental health. Pupils learn about healthy relationships and communication from an early age, becoming advocates for those less fortunate. The school teaches essential safety skills, including water, road, and internet safety.
Staff members are supportive and caring, fostering a positive work environment. The leadership approach to school improvement is thoughtful, allowing time for changes to be embedded before introducing new initiatives. This strategy helps staff manage their workload while ensuring professional development opportunities align with the school’s priorities.
The arrangements for safeguarding at Ben Rhydding Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school needs to enhance its assessment approach in foundation subjects to ensure that staff consistently check for deep understanding and adjust the curriculum as necessary. This will help ensure that all pupils develop the intended depth of knowledge and vocabulary across all subjects. Overall, Ben Rhydding Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong commitment to the well-being and success of its pupils.
