Summerbridge Community Primary School, located in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, underwent an inspection on February 9 and 10, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting significant improvements since the previous inspection, which had identified the school as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
The school is characterized by a caring ethos where leaders prioritize the well-being and potential of each pupil. The implementation of the CHAMPs code fosters a positive learning environment, encouraging students to embrace mistakes as part of their learning journey. Relationships between staff and pupils are strong, contributing to a safe and supportive atmosphere where pupils feel happy and well cared for. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with a focus on respect and consideration for others. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils express confidence in the support they receive from adults.
Summerbridge Community Primary School offers a variety of extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests, enhancing pupils' cultural capital. Opportunities such as residential trips and theater visits are highly anticipated by students, enriching their educational experience. Parents express strong support for the school, appreciating the ambition of leaders and the high expectations set for their children. Feedback from parents indicates that children enjoy their lessons and often share positive experiences related to their learning.
The curriculum is well-balanced and designed to engage pupils actively. Leaders have established clear expectations regarding the knowledge and skills pupils should acquire at each stage of their education. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that lesson activities align closely with learning objectives. This misalignment can hinder the development of robust knowledge and understanding in some subjects.
Reading instruction is a priority, with staff receiving training in the school's chosen phonics approach. While daily phonics sessions are delivered effectively for most pupils, inconsistencies remain in supporting those who struggle with unfamiliar words. Teachers promote a love of reading, creating inviting reading areas and sharing their enthusiasm for literature, which encourages pupils to read widely.
In early years, children demonstrate strong listening skills and effectively apply their phonics knowledge to read simple sentences. The curriculum in Reception and Nursery is thoughtfully designed, allowing children to develop skills across various learning areas. The mathematics curriculum is rigorous and well-structured, enabling pupils to build on their knowledge progressively.
The leadership of special educational needs is robust, ensuring that pupils with SEND receive appropriate support. Teachers utilize assessments to tailor their instruction, helping these pupils achieve well over time. Behavior management systems are effective, contributing to a focused learning environment.
The headteacher is attentive to staff workload, fostering a positive working environment where staff feel valued and supported. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders acting decisively on concerns and ensuring that pupils have trusted adults to turn to for support.
To further improve, the school should focus on providing regular training for staff on phonics instruction to ensure consistency in supporting all pupils. Additionally, leaders should enhance the monitoring of curriculum implementation to ensure that lessons are designed to meet specific learning intentions effectively. Overall, Summerbridge Community Primary School demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
