Lady Elizabeth Hastings Church of England Primary School, located in Ledston, Castleford, West Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection on February 6 and 7, 2024, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has a warm and welcoming environment that pupils and their families appreciate. Students express enjoyment in attending school, and many travel from afar, eager to learn. The staff demonstrate commitment and care, fostering a culture of resilience among pupils.
Pupils feel safe and happy at school, noting significant improvements in behaviour over the past 18 months. The school maintains high expectations for conduct, with minimal instances of bullying or name-calling. When issues arise, pupils trust that adults will address them promptly and effectively. Older students take on responsibilities, understanding the importance of service to others, and younger pupils look up to their Year 6 buddies, fostering a sense of community and leadership.
The school is dedicated to providing every pupil with a high-quality education, regardless of their background or ability. Leaders strive to enrich the educational experience with meaningful activities, which pupils enthusiastically discuss, highlighting events such as visits from historians and after-school events. Early years education is strong, with ample opportunities for children to explore and develop independence. Staff are attentive to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on development, focusing on communication skills and physical development.
Reading is prioritized from the outset, with well-trained staff teaching phonics effectively. Most reading materials align with the sounds pupils are learning, and additional support is provided for those struggling with reading. Mathematics instruction is robust, with clear expectations set by leaders, ensuring pupils retain knowledge and skills. However, there are discrepancies in subject knowledge across different areas, particularly in science, where clarity on content is lacking. This inconsistency can hinder teachers' ability to assess understanding and address knowledge gaps.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring individual learning plans are regularly reviewed. Leaders collaborate with external agencies to provide necessary support, although securing timely assistance can sometimes be challenging. Behaviour is generally good, with minimal disruption in lessons, and pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning and cooperation.
Pupils are educated on safety in both the physical and digital realms, learning to protect their identities online and understand fundamental British values. The school promotes cultural and religious diversity through various projects and activities. Leadership has effectively navigated recent changes, maintaining a clear vision for improvement and regularly engaging with parents for feedback.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school recognizes the need for improvement in certain curriculum areas, particularly in ensuring subject leaders possess the necessary expertise to monitor and enhance the quality of education. Additionally, there is a need to establish clear expectations for subject content across the curriculum to ensure all pupils acquire essential knowledge and skills. Overall, Lady Elizabeth Hastings Church of England Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
