Elvington Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 28, 2024. The school is characterized by a happy, caring, and welcoming environment, underpinned by its Christian values. The motto Working together, we can all achieve success reflects the collaborative spirit among staff, pupils, and parents. High expectations for pupil achievement are evident, supported by a well-structured curriculum that caters to the needs of all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Pupils demonstrate very good behavior, showing politeness and respect towards one another. They enjoy positive social interactions during breaks and feel safe within the school environment, with instances of bullying being rare. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including after-school clubs and leadership roles, which enhance the educational experience. Engaging trips and themed events help to enrich the curriculum, making learning exciting and relevant.
Parents express overwhelming positivity about the school, highlighting the supportive environment that allows their children to flourish. The school has implemented a bespoke curriculum that is broad and balanced, addressing the needs of mixed-age classes. Leaders have clearly defined the essential knowledge that pupils should acquire from early years through to Year 6. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in subjects like science, where the curriculum lacks the same level of precision in sequencing knowledge from early years.
Teachers effectively revisit prior learning and regularly assess pupils' understanding, ensuring that resources and activities are of high quality. The teaching of early reading is prioritized, with a phonics program that is delivered with expertise. This approach has resulted in pupils becoming confident and fluent readers, achieving high scores in phonics assessments. The school promotes a love of reading, encouraging pupils to read widely and discuss their favorite books enthusiastically.
Mathematics instruction is also strong, with pupils using mathematical vocabulary accurately and demonstrating secure knowledge. The school has established high expectations for behavior, fostering warm and respectful relationships between adults and pupils. Routines are well established, and the school actively promotes high attendance, taking appropriate measures when attendance falls below expectations.
The school is proactive in identifying pupils with special educational needs, working closely with external organizations to ensure that these pupils receive the necessary support. This inclusive approach allows all pupils to access the same curriculum and achieve well. The school places a strong emphasis on the wider development of pupils, teaching them about respect and kindness, and providing numerous opportunities for them to contribute to school life.
Governance is effective, with governors fulfilling their statutory duties and providing support and challenge to the school. Staff feel valued and supported, with a focus on managing workload. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is aware of the need to enhance the curriculum in certain subjects and has plans in place to address these areas. Overall, Elvington Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, fostering a positive learning environment for all its pupils.
