Osmotherley Primary School is a small community primary school located in North Yorkshire, serving children aged four to eleven. The recent inspection conducted on May 25 and 26, 2023, rated the school as good across all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which had rated the school as requiring improvement.
The school is characterized by a positive and nurturing environment where pupils feel safe and valued. Students express enjoyment in their learning experiences and appreciate the supportive relationships they have with their teachers. The school fosters a culture of respect and inclusivity, allowing pupils to express themselves freely. They demonstrate a well-developed understanding of important values, such as democracy, through their involvement in decision-making processes that affect their school life. The curriculum is designed to be accessible to all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Osmotherley Primary School has made notable strides in enhancing its curriculum. Leaders have established a clear vision for the knowledge that pupils need to acquire in each subject, starting from the early years and continuing through to Year 6. This structured approach ensures that students build on their prior learning effectively. The governing body has strengthened monitoring systems, allowing for a better understanding of the curriculum's impact. Teachers have received training in the school's phonics programme, resulting in consistent delivery and effective intervention sessions for those needing additional support. This has led to rapid progress in reading skills among pupils, who express enthusiasm for the books they read both at home and in school.
In addition to literacy, the school emphasizes the importance of small, incremental steps in learning across various subjects. Regular assessments help teachers identify gaps in knowledge and provide timely interventions. Pupils demonstrate a strong recall of what they have learned, showcasing their understanding in subjects like art and science. However, leaders recognize the need to provide more opportunities for pupils to apply their knowledge and develop their writing skills in greater detail, which will foster independence as they progress through the school.
Behaviour at Osmotherley Primary is commendable, with pupils expressing a strong sense of belonging. The school environment is welcoming, and the values of empathy, respect, and resilience are evident in the interactions among students. Social interactions are well-managed, and pupils engage positively during playtime. The school also hosts celebration assemblies that involve parents and highlight pupils' achievements, further strengthening the community's ties.
Staff members are proud to work at the school and are actively involved in decision-making processes. They appreciate the improvements being made and collaborate effectively to ensure that changes are well understood and implemented. Parents share positive feedback about the school, often describing it as caring and nurturing.
The safeguarding arrangements at Osmotherley Primary School are effective, with clear systems in place to support vulnerable pupils. Staff receive regular updates on safeguarding issues, and pupils are educated about safety, including online safety, through the PSHE curriculum.
Overall, Osmotherley Primary School has made significant progress since its last inspection, demonstrating a commitment to providing a high-quality education in a supportive environment. The school is well-positioned to continue its development, with leaders focused on enhancing pupils' independence and writing skills as part of their ongoing improvement efforts.
