Lady Elizabeth Hastings’ C of E VA Primary School in Thorp Arch has undergone a recent inspection, achieving an overall effectiveness rating of good, with outstanding ratings in personal development and early years provision. The school has made significant progress since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The inspection took place on July 16 and 17, 2024, and highlighted the school’s commitment to high expectations for pupil learning, resulting in a safe and happy environment where students thrive academically and socially.
Pupils at the school benefit from nurturing relationships with adults, who provide support for emotional regulation and well-being. This positive atmosphere contributes to excellent behavior in classrooms, which are described as calm and focused. Older pupils demonstrate care for younger students during break times, fostering a sense of community and responsibility. The school’s curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils develop a rich understanding of the world, with a strong emphasis on personal development. The school effectively identifies and addresses gaps in knowledge across most subjects, allowing pupils to achieve well.
The school prioritizes reading, with a well-structured phonics program that enables pupils to quickly learn essential sounds and develop confidence in their reading abilities. Additional support is provided for those at risk of falling behind, ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to succeed. The curriculum has been broadened and balanced, with careful consideration given to the learning objectives in each subject. This approach supports all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, in making progress throughout their education.
Early years provision is exceptional, with a curriculum that aligns with children's developmental needs. Activities are thoughtfully introduced to model learning and support understanding, allowing children to build confidence in a meaningful context. The school actively involves parents in their children's education, providing resources and information to support learning at home. As a result, children are well-prepared for their next steps in education.
The personal development curriculum is of high quality, revisiting and building on pupils' understanding each year. Pupils gain a deep understanding of important topics, including gender stereotypes and equality, and are well-versed in fundamental British values. The school effectively weaves these values into daily life, ensuring that pupils grasp concepts such as democracy and individual freedom.
Despite some recent staffing challenges, school leaders have maintained a focus on improvement and have kept staff and parents informed throughout the transition. Staff report high levels of job satisfaction, with their well-being and workload being prioritized. Parents express overwhelming positivity about the school, highlighting the caring and supportive environment that allows their children to thrive.
Governance at the school is effective, with governors possessing the necessary skills to provide appropriate challenge and support to school leaders. They ensure a clear understanding of the school’s performance through robust quality assurance processes.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare is prioritized. However, the inspection identified a need for improvement in the assessment of some foundation subjects, as current methods do not provide precise information on pupil learning. Leaders are encouraged to refine their monitoring processes to ensure that the curriculum is implemented consistently across all subjects, allowing for the realization of high ambitions for all pupils. Overall, Lady Elizabeth Hastings’ C of E VA Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering personal development in a supportive environment.
