Burton-upon-Stather Primary School, located in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, has been inspected and continues to be recognized as a good school. The inspection took place on November 28 and 29, 2023. Pupils at the school express enjoyment in their learning experiences and are eager to discuss their favorite activities. Attendance is high, and students are generally engaged and well-behaved during lessons. Many pupils take pride in their leadership roles, such as serving as anti-bullying ambassadors or members of the sports committee. The school fosters a culture of kindness, with bullying being rare, and students feel confident that staff will support them if they encounter any issues. A variety of after-school clubs, including globetrotters and ultimate frisbee, are well-attended by pupils.
The school has set ambitious goals for its students, encouraging hard work and engagement in lessons. Subject leaders demonstrate strong knowledge, ensuring that pupils are exposed to a wide range of important concepts. However, the curriculum's effectiveness varies for some pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), resulting in slower progress in certain lessons. The school has developed a broad and ambitious curriculum aligned with its vision of enabling every child to shine. While there are clear targets for pupils with SEND, some lessons in reading and mathematics do not consistently match learning activities to individual needs, hindering progress.
Reading is prioritized at the school, with staff receiving extensive training to effectively teach phonics from the start of Reception. Pupils read books that reinforce their phonetic knowledge, and those needing additional support are quickly identified and assisted. The selection of books and stories is carefully curated to expose pupils to a variety of texts, fostering a love for reading. The mathematics curriculum has also been redeveloped, with daily lessons in Reception and integrated learning opportunities throughout the school. Pupils revisit prior learning at the beginning of each lesson to enhance fluency and retention of mathematical concepts.
The personal development curriculum promotes well-rounded citizenship, teaching pupils about healthy relationships, safety, and respect for diversity. Pupils demonstrate a good understanding of fundamental British values, including democracy and tolerance. While most students exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, expectations for the presentation of their work are not consistently met. The school provides additional support for pupils who require help with behavior, but some students do not consistently meet the school's high expectations during social times.
Staff members take pride in their work at the school, and leaders prioritize their professional development and well-being. Parents and carers express strong support for the school, and governors provide effective oversight and challenge. Leaders have a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school must ensure that pupils with SEND have the necessary resources to access the full curriculum, as some do not make sufficient progress over time. Additionally, staff should be supported in designing learning activities that cater to the individual needs of all pupils. Consistency in applying behavior expectations across all classes is also essential to maintain high standards. Overall, Burton-upon-Stather Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education while recognizing the need for ongoing development in specific areas.
