Ruswarp Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, located in Whitby, North Yorkshire, underwent an inspection on June 14 and 15, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with similar ratings for the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management. However, personal development and early years provision were rated as good. The previous inspection in March 2018 had rated the school as good.
Pupils express enjoyment in attending the school, appreciating the hard work and care provided by the staff. They describe the school environment as a supportive community, often referring to it as a ‘one big family.’ This inclusive ethos is particularly beneficial for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Despite the positive atmosphere, the transition from early years to key stages one and two has not been effectively managed, leading to a decline in the quality of education. The curriculum is improving, but expectations for pupil learning and achievement are not sufficiently high.
The learning environment is calm, and most pupils demonstrate good behaviour and a strong work ethic, especially in early years. However, a small number of pupils struggle to engage fully, which can hinder their learning opportunities. Reading is prioritized, with staff trained in phonics instruction. Early years pupils receive a strong foundation in reading, and interventions are in place for those who fall behind. Pupils enjoy reading and are enthusiastic about the books they engage with.
Recent efforts to enhance the writing curriculum are underway, but the impact of these changes is not yet evident. The quality of writing varies across the school, and expectations are inconsistent. In mathematics, while a structured curriculum is in place, implementation varies significantly, affecting pupil progress. Leaders recognize the need for more robust monitoring of curriculum delivery.
Art and design have seen recent improvements with the introduction of ‘Arty Hour,’ allowing pupils to explore artists' work and create inspired pieces. However, pupils struggle to recall previous learning in this subject. The school aims to broaden pupils' understanding of the world beyond their local area, incorporating current events into collective worship and discussions.
The early years provision is characterized by active engagement and collaboration among children, who are well-prepared for Year 1. However, the school has not effectively built on this strong foundation in subsequent key stages. Leadership is committed to improving the school, with governors acknowledging the need for thorough reviews of the educational offerings. While most parents express satisfaction, some desire more communication regarding changes aimed at enhancing educational quality.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong culture prioritizing pupil safety. Staff are well-versed in safeguarding policies, and pupils are educated on recognizing and managing risks. The school is encouraged to address several areas for improvement, including ensuring consistent curriculum implementation, raising expectations for pupil achievement, and enhancing pupil engagement in lessons. Overall, while the school has strengths, particularly in early years and personal development, significant work remains to elevate the quality of education and ensure all pupils can thrive.
