Mill Hill Community Primary School in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, was inspected on January 11 and 12, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant strides since its previous inspection, where it was rated as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were all rated as good, while early years provision was noted as requiring improvement.
The school fosters a strong sense of community, where both parents and pupils feel welcomed and valued. The positive feedback from parents highlights the caring nature of the staff and the supportive environment created for students. Pupils feel safe and trust the adults in the school, knowing that any concerns will be addressed promptly. The school has a low incidence of bullying, and when it does occur, it is dealt with swiftly. Respect among pupils, staff, and visitors is evident, and teachers effectively motivate students to engage in their learning.
Leaders at Mill Hill have high expectations for their pupils and have carefully considered the knowledge that students should acquire in key stages one and two. The commitment to ensuring that all pupils learn to read is evident, with initiatives such as reading sessions with a therapy dog enhancing the experience. Pupils enjoy their lessons and demonstrate strong learning outcomes across various subjects, particularly in science, where a balance of knowledge and investigative skills is emphasized.
In the early years, children are provided with a nurturing environment that helps them settle into school routines. Staff are attentive to individual needs and have identified key learning areas in number and early reading. However, there is a need for clearer definitions of learning objectives in other areas of the early years curriculum, which currently limits the development of knowledge and skills in those subjects.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading fluency, with daily reading sessions for pupils in Reception and key stage one. Staff are well-trained in the phonics program, leading to positive outcomes for students. The curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to achieve well in mathematics and other subjects. However, there are instances where important knowledge is not revisited frequently enough, which can hinder retention.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive effective support, ensuring their full inclusion in school life. The special educational needs coordinator collaborates with staff to provide necessary assistance, and parents appreciate this support. The school also values personal development, offering programs that encourage creativity and community engagement.
Pupils enjoy their social interactions during playtime and lunchtime, with older students taking on leadership roles to ensure a positive environment for younger peers. High attendance rates reflect pupils' desire to be in school, and leaders actively address any issues related to absenteeism.
Staff feel supported within the school environment, appreciating the emphasis on well-being and workload management. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders demonstrating a commitment to the welfare of families in the community. They provide access to services and support, particularly during school holidays.
While the school has made commendable progress, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to ensure that teachers revisit and reinforce important knowledge across subjects to enhance retention. Additionally, there is a need to clarify the knowledge and vocabulary expectations in certain areas of the early years curriculum to support comprehensive learning. Overall, Mill Hill Community Primary School is a nurturing and effective educational institution that continues to strive for excellence.
