Leven Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, located in Leven, Beverley, underwent an inspection on May 16 and 17, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education, leadership and management, and early years provision also marked as requiring improvement. However, the school demonstrated good behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development among its pupils.
Pupils at the school exhibit a positive attitude towards learning, and the leadership has set high expectations for their educational outcomes. Despite this, there are instances where these expectations are not fully met, particularly in certain subjects where teachers may not select the most effective content for their lessons. This can hinder the progression of pupils' knowledge and understanding. The school environment is described as calm, with pupils behaving well and feeling safe. They are supported effectively when they have concerns, and there is a clear understanding of bullying, which is not seen as a significant issue within the school.
The school provides numerous leadership opportunities for pupils, such as roles as worship leaders or global ambassadors. Initiatives like fundraising for Christian Aid help pupils learn about citizenship. However, there is a noted gap in pupils' understanding of the values necessary for living in modern Britain. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports clubs, which contribute to a well-rounded educational experience.
The curriculum is well-structured, with a focus on breaking down information into manageable steps. Teachers are expected to connect new learning to prior knowledge, but this is not consistently achieved across all subjects. While subject leaders are knowledgeable, there are areas, particularly in foundation subjects like art, where content choices may not effectively support pupil achievement. The assessment system in place is designed to monitor progress, but there is a need for improvement in how teachers connect lessons to what pupils already know.
The school has made strides in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they are included in all aspects of school life. Reading instruction begins immediately for new pupils, with a systematic approach to phonics that has been positively received. Pupils are encouraged to develop a love for reading through exposure to various texts and are recognized for their achievements in this area.
In the early years, the curriculum is planned, but there are opportunities missed for children to develop their vocabulary and language skills. Adults in the early years do not always use the vocabulary they expect children to learn, which can hinder language development. Communication with parents is inconsistent, leading to some parents feeling less informed about their child's school experience.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with staff trained to recognize and support vulnerable pupils. Leaders work with local partners to ensure appropriate support is available for families. The governing body is engaged and has a shared commitment to improving outcomes for all pupils, although some parents express a desire for more consistent communication regarding their concerns.
Overall, while Leven Church of England Primary School has strengths in pupil behavior and personal development, it faces challenges in delivering a consistently high-quality education across all subjects and ensuring effective communication with parents. The school is encouraged to focus on improving teaching practices, enhancing pupils' understanding of British values, and fostering better vocabulary development in early years education.
