Moorside Primary School and Nursery, located in Ripon, North Yorkshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection. The school is well-regarded by pupils and parents alike, with students expressing enjoyment in attending and forming positive relationships with staff. Teachers are described as caring and kind, fostering a supportive environment. Parents have praised the school, highlighting its contribution to the community and the positive experiences their children have had. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including Lego and craft clubs, and organizes educational visits, such as a recent trip to Fountains Abbey, which enriches the learning experience.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behavior and academic performance. Students appreciate the recognition they receive for good behavior and treat each other and their teachers with respect. They feel safe and confident in sharing any concerns with staff. The emphasis on reading is evident, with pupils showing enthusiasm for books and authors. Phonics sessions are in place to help students develop their reading skills, although there are some challenges in matching reading materials to the appropriate levels for all pupils, particularly in key stage one.
Staff at Moorside Primary School are well-trained and knowledgeable about the subjects they teach. Regular assessments are conducted to ensure lessons are tailored to pupils' abilities, and the needs of students with special educational needs and disabilities are carefully considered. The curriculum is ambitious and aligns with national standards, with strong performance in core subjects. However, there are areas for improvement in foundation subjects, where some key knowledge may not be effectively retained by pupils, impacting their preparedness for future learning.
The early years provision is welcoming and effective, with children quickly settling into routines and engaging in phonics and early mathematics. The environment is bright and inviting, with resources easily accessible to support learning. Leaders and governors share a common vision for the school and work collaboratively to enhance its effectiveness. They prioritize staff well-being and professional development, ensuring that teachers feel supported in their roles.
Safeguarding measures are effective, creating a safe environment for all pupils. The school is encouraged to refine its curriculum further to ensure clarity in what pupils should learn and remember across all subjects. Additionally, it is important to ensure that reading materials in key stage one are closely aligned with the phonics knowledge of pupils to support their reading development effectively.
Overall, Moorside Primary School and Nursery demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education, fostering positive relationships, and ensuring the well-being of its pupils. The school is well-positioned to build on its strengths and address areas for improvement, continuing to serve its community effectively.
