Snape Community Primary School, located in Bedale, North Yorkshire, recently underwent an inspection on March 7 and 8, 2023. The school, which operates in a federation with Thornton Watlass Church of England Primary School, received an overall effectiveness rating of Good. This report highlights the key findings from the inspection, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
Pupils at Snape Community Primary School enjoy a positive and engaging learning environment. The school fosters strong relationships between pupils and staff, contributing to a supportive atmosphere where most pupils exhibit excellent behavior. The early years program encourages cooperative play, and instances of bullying are rare, with leaders addressing any issues promptly.
The school’s leadership has established a clear and ambitious vision, setting high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Pupils benefit from a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs and educational visits, which enhance their learning experiences and community engagement.
Since the last inspection, school leaders have implemented several improvements. The curriculum across most subjects is now coherently sequenced and ambitious, particularly in early years education, which is tailored to the children's experiences and context. As a result, pupils' attitudes towards learning are improving.
Mathematics is identified as a particular strength, with ample opportunities for early years children to develop their skills through practical activities. The school also provides frequent opportunities for pupils to revisit and build upon prior learning, although there is room for improvement in making these connections explicit to students.
Pupils with SEND receive effective support, ensuring they can access the same curriculum as their peers. Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding, although some pupils struggle to articulate their previous learning.
Despite the positive aspects, the inspection identified areas for growth. In some lessons, tasks assigned to pupils were not sufficiently ambitious, hindering their ability to acquire detailed knowledge and make connections between their learning. Leaders are encouraged to enhance teachers' pedagogical subject knowledge to deepen pupils' understanding across the curriculum.
Additionally, while the phonics program is consistently taught, there are instances where teachers do not provide sufficiently challenging tasks in subjects like science, which could further enrich pupils' learning experiences.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place. Leaders are aware of the risks associated with living in a rural community and have tailored the curriculum to educate pupils about these risks. Staff are vigilant and responsive to any signs of potential harm, working closely with families and external agencies to ensure pupils' safety.
Governors play an active role in supporting the school, recognizing the pressures on staff in a small school setting. They have implemented measures to alleviate stress, such as providing dedicated wellbeing time for staff, which has been well-received.
Overall, Snape Community Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education in a nurturing environment. With a strong foundation in place, the school is well-positioned to address the identified areas for improvement and continue fostering a positive learning experience for all pupils. The inspection report reflects the dedication of the staff and leadership in ensuring that every child reaches their full potential.
