Aldbrough Primary School, located in Hull, continues to be recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 15, 2022. The school environment is characterized by happy and safe pupils who enjoy their lessons and actively participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs and a residential visit to Derbyshire. The school promotes a culture of hard work and respect, encapsulated in its guiding principles of being ready, respectful, and safe. Pupils express a strong sense of community, emphasizing that everyone supports one another regardless of gender.
Behavior among pupils is commendable, with many demonstrating politeness and a willingness to engage with visitors. The school’s reward system, which includes a recognition wall and special events like hot chocolate Fridays, motivates students and fosters a sense of pride when their achievements are acknowledged in assemblies. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, and pupils feel confident that staff will address any issues that arise. The school provides resources such as calm corners for pupils who need emotional support, contributing to a nurturing atmosphere.
Staff members at Aldbrough Primary School take pride in their roles and feel empowered by the leadership team, which is described as exceptional by both staff and parents. The headteacher has received particular praise, with parents acknowledging her contributions to the school’s positive environment. The governing body is actively involved and knowledgeable, supporting the school’s mission and recognizing areas for further improvement.
While the school has made significant strides in enhancing reading and mathematics, there are still areas where pupils do not achieve their full potential in certain subjects. This is attributed to some curriculum leaders not effectively building on prior knowledge and skills. The new senior leadership team is aware of these challenges and is committed to addressing them.
The teaching of early reading is a notable strength, with leaders ensuring that all pupils learn to read quickly and effectively. The curriculum is designed to provide books that align with the sounds pupils are learning, and early years children have ample opportunities to practice their reading skills in engaging contexts. The school has also developed inviting reading areas in classrooms, which pupils enjoy using.
Pupils express enthusiasm for learning, although the effectiveness of the curriculum varies across subjects. In stronger subjects, leaders have adapted the curriculum to help teachers reinforce essential knowledge that may have been missed during the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, the music curriculum has been tailored to meet the specific needs of pupils, resulting in increased confidence in their musical abilities. However, in some areas, teaching methods may not adequately support deeper understanding, particularly in English, where pupils sometimes struggle with writing and spelling due to limited practice.
New curriculum leaders are receptive to the training and support they have received, which includes professional development in English and mathematics. However, some leaders need to improve their monitoring and evaluation of the curriculum's effectiveness. Leaders are currently exploring ways to enhance assessment practices, although this work is still in its early stages.
Staff members appreciate the support from the headteacher and governors, noting that their well-being has improved due to the actions taken by leadership. They express pride in being part of the Aldbrough community.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with leaders prioritizing the safety and well-being of pupils. Staff are well-informed about the local community and the potential challenges pupils may face. They receive regular training to ensure they can support pupils effectively and know how to respond to any concerns. Parents have expressed confidence in the school's ability to keep their children safe.
To further improve, the school needs to refine its curriculum plans in English to clearly outline the essential knowledge and vocabulary that pupils should learn. Additionally, some curriculum leaders must enhance their monitoring and evaluation practices to better understand the effectiveness of the curriculum and make necessary adjustments. Overall, Aldbrough Primary School demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
