Stillington Primary School is a small and welcoming institution located in North Yorkshire, known for its strong sense of community. The school emphasizes creativity, diversity, sustainability, and community involvement, which are integral to its curriculum. Pupils appreciate the supportive environment fostered by their peers and the positive relationships they have with adults in the school. This nurturing atmosphere contributes to a focused learning environment where pupils listen attentively and engage actively in their lessons. The school has successfully created a culture where bullying is rare, and pupils feel comfortable discussing any concerns with trusted adults.
The leadership at Stillington Primary School is ambitious regarding pupil achievement. Leaders provide extensive training for teachers and staff, enabling them to collaborate effectively with colleagues from other schools within the federation. This professional development ensures that pupils are well-prepared for the next stages of their education. The curriculum for key stages one and two is ambitious, with leaders clearly identifying the essential knowledge that pupils should acquire in each subject. However, there is still work to be done in the early years, particularly in defining the critical knowledge required in the Nursery curriculum. This gap sometimes results in activities that do not fully meet the diverse needs of all children in the class.
Regular assessments are conducted to monitor pupils' retention of knowledge across the curriculum, allowing teachers to identify learning gaps. This approach is effective in most subjects, as pupils can articulate what they have learned. However, reading comprehension is an area that requires improvement, as the school has not yet fully utilized assessment information to address gaps in pupils' understanding in this subject.
The school fosters strong relationships with parents from the outset, helping children develop their language skills through various activities, including role play. By the end of Reception, children achieve well and are prepared for Year 1. Reading is prioritized, with staff trained to teach reading effectively. Children begin learning to read as soon as they enter Reception, and those who struggle receive additional support. The school ensures that reading materials align with the sounds pupils are learning.
In mathematics, pupils build on their knowledge year after year, with teachers encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The school has effective systems in place to identify pupils with additional needs, ensuring that those with special educational needs and disabilities receive well-planned support tailored to their requirements. The school promotes equal opportunities and encourages pupils to aspire to their goals, preparing them for life in modern Britain. Pupils engage in various extracurricular activities, contributing to a safe and supportive school environment.
The well-being of both staff and pupils is a priority, with a strong team ethos evident throughout the school. Governors are actively involved, providing appropriate challenge and support to ensure continuous improvement in the quality of education. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring that pupils' welfare is prioritized.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school must improve the use of assessment information in reading comprehension to address learning gaps. Additionally, it should expedite the identification of essential knowledge in the Nursery curriculum to ensure that all activities meet the needs of children across different age groups. Overall, Stillington Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for all its pupils.
