Great Ouseburn Community Primary School, located in North Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 26, 2023. The school has a positive atmosphere where pupils enjoy learning and attending school. They demonstrate excellent attendance and exhibit friendly, polite, and respectful behavior towards one another and adults. The school environment is calm and orderly, fostering a sense of pride among pupils. Instances of bullying are rare, and both leaders and pupils emphasize a zero-tolerance approach to such behavior. Pupils feel secure and trust the staff, knowing they can seek help when needed.
The school promotes a strong sense of equality, with pupils expressing the importance of kindness and appreciation for each other's differences. Leaders and teachers maintain high expectations for all pupils, ensuring that lessons are inclusive and engaging, particularly for those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils find learning enjoyable, and the headteacher, along with the staff, is highly regarded by parents and the community. Parents express gratitude for the school's efforts in supporting their children, highlighting its integral role within the local community.
The curriculum at Great Ouseburn Community Primary School is bespoke and exciting, designed to develop pupils' knowledge across a wide range of subjects. It is carefully sequenced from early years to Year 6, ensuring that all pupils, including those with SEND, follow the same curriculum. Leaders have clearly identified the essential knowledge that pupils should acquire over time, and subject plans outline specific learning objectives. Most subjects enable pupils to build a deep understanding, with teachers planning engaging activities that capture their interests. Notable experiences, such as visits to historical sites, enhance the learning process.
Phonics instruction is delivered effectively, allowing pupils to learn new sounds quickly and match books to their reading levels. Those who struggle with reading receive the necessary support to catch up. Mathematics is taught exceptionally well, with daily practice in fundamental operations to develop fluency. The school emphasizes problem-solving and reasoning, and pupils express enjoyment in their mathematics lessons.
Pupils are enthusiastic about the wider curriculum, particularly in subjects like history, where teachers utilize artifacts and evidence to make lessons engaging. However, there are some foundation subjects where the ambitious learning goals outlined in the curriculum are not consistently met, indicating a need for improvement in these areas. The school is encouraged to enhance support for staff in planning and delivering these subjects to ensure all pupils are equally challenged.
The school fosters excellent cooperation among pupils and between pupils and adults, starting from the early years. Children are attentive and enjoy collaborative work, with ample opportunities to develop their knowledge in mathematics and reading. The school integrates activities to enrich learning experiences, preparing children well for their transition to Year 1.
Pupils participate in various sports, social events, and clubs, understanding the significance of rules and democracy in decision-making. They learn about diverse faiths and cultures through visits to places of worship and multifaith projects. The school choir is particularly popular, with a significant number of pupils participating.
Staff members enjoy working at the school, and leaders prioritize their well-being and workload. Governors are ambitious for the school and possess the expertise to support its continued growth. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
In summary, Great Ouseburn Community Primary School is a well-respected institution that provides a supportive and engaging learning environment. While it excels in many areas, there is room for improvement in delivering the ambitious goals set for certain foundation subjects. The school is committed to enhancing its educational offerings and maintaining its strong community ties.
