Giggleswick Primary School, located in North Yorkshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection. The school fosters a strong sense of community among its pupils, who express pride in their school and care for one another. The environment is characterized by respect and politeness, with positive relationships between pupils and adults. The school emphasizes high expectations for both learning and behavior, guided by its core values of respect, friendship, kindness, and love. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as serving as prefects and leading assemblies, which helps to cultivate leadership skills and positive behavior.
The curriculum at Giggleswick Primary is ambitious and well-structured, ensuring that key knowledge is clearly defined from early years through to Year 6. It is designed to be inclusive, allowing pupils with special educational needs and disabilities to access the same learning opportunities. In mathematics, pupils enjoy collaborative problem-solving, although some older students struggle with the quick recall of number facts, which affects their ability to tackle more complex problems. The school employs various teaching strategies to reinforce learning, and while assessments in phonics and mathematics are effective, there are inconsistencies in evaluating learning in other curriculum areas.
The phonics program is particularly effective, enabling pupils to read with increasing confidence as they progress through the curriculum. Children begin phonics in Reception, and the reading materials are well-aligned with their developing skills. However, there is a need for improvement in the key stage two reading curriculum, as some older pupils do not read as fluently as they could. The early years curriculum is well-sequenced, prioritizing communication and language development, and staff are skilled in engaging children and fostering their independence.
Pupils are engaged in lessons and contribute meaningfully to discussions. Lunchtime is described as calm and sociable, reflecting the positive atmosphere within the school. The personal development curriculum is age-appropriate, ensuring that pupils understand the importance of physical and mental health. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities and educational visits that enhance the learning experience.
Leadership at Giggleswick Primary is strong, with leaders actively seeking to improve the school. They have made significant progress in a short time and have built capacity for further development by strengthening leadership roles within the federation. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school needs to address specific areas for improvement. Some older pupils require better strategies for recalling multiplication and number facts to support their mathematical understanding. Additionally, the assessment systems in certain curriculum areas, including early years, need further development to provide a clearer picture of pupil learning over time. The reading curriculum for key stage two also requires a more structured approach to ensure all pupils become confident and fluent readers. Overall, Giggleswick Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
