Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Aldborough Primary School on 20 March 2019, following its previous judgment of good in June 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, including the headteacher and governing body, has a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, particularly in the curriculum. New leaders for English, mathematics, and science have been appointed to focus on school improvement priorities, emphasizing the enhancement of teaching quality across the curriculum.
The school environment is vibrant and welcoming, with staff who know each pupil well and prioritize their academic, social, and emotional needs. This nurturing culture contributes to pupils making good progress. Parents express satisfaction with the school, noting that it provides a supportive atmosphere where children can thrive. The school also offers a breakfast club, which positively impacts pupils' readiness for the day.
Aldborough Primary School is situated in a beautiful woodland area, and the leadership is committed to utilizing this setting for outdoor learning opportunities. During the inspection, various outdoor learning activities were observed, including drama sessions and mathematical investigations. The playground is well-equipped, allowing pupils to engage in cooperative and imaginative play, which helps them return to lessons ready to learn.
Classrooms foster a purposeful atmosphere, encouraging inquisitive learning. Strong relationships between pupils and teachers contribute to a supportive environment where pupils feel comfortable seeking help. Behaviour is consistently good, with pupils understanding and managing their own conduct effectively. The school community is closely knit, with pupils expressing happiness about attending school and feeling supported by their peers.
The school actively engages with the local community, organizing events such as family learning days to promote collaboration between parents and children. The curriculum is rich and varied, with pupils expressing enthusiasm for the diverse subjects and extracurricular activities available, including sports, music, and arts. Special events, such as a recent trip to London and themed weeks focused on science and writing, further enrich the educational experience.
Governors are well-informed about the school and provide support and challenge to the leadership team. They maintain an open and honest relationship with the headteacher, and staff members report high levels of job satisfaction and effective leadership. Professional development opportunities are valued, particularly for those new to leadership roles.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong emphasis on ensuring the safety and well-being of pupils. All necessary checks are conducted to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children. The school has established effective partnerships with external agencies to support pupils and their families when needed. Staff receive regular training on safeguarding responsibilities, and pupils feel safe and understand how to protect themselves, including online safety.
The inspection also focused on the support provided to pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The headteacher has taken on the role of special educational needs coordinator, ensuring that these pupils receive an inclusive education. High-quality teaching and additional support from teaching assistants help address barriers to learning, and current data indicates that pupils with SEND are making good progress.
In terms of academic performance, the school has identified the need to enhance progress in reading, writing, and mathematics. Initiatives to improve reading include encouraging parental involvement and introducing new texts in the library. Writing skills are being developed through regular practice and editing exercises. In mathematics, a mastery approach is being implemented to deepen pupils' understanding.
While progress in mathematics has been good, there is a desire to further challenge the most able pupils. Leaders are also focusing on ensuring that learning is appropriately planned across the curriculum, particularly in mixed-age classes. Overall, the school is committed to continuous improvement, with clear next steps identified to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
