St Martin’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School in Scarborough has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 20 and 21 February 2024. The school is characterized by a happy and inclusive environment where parents, staff, and pupils feel a strong sense of community, often describing it as a family-like atmosphere. Communication between the school and parents is frequent, providing opportunities for them to understand their child's progress and how to support their education.
The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils are engaged and achieve well, demonstrating polite and respectful behavior towards adults and peers. The nurturing relationships fostered by staff contribute to a positive learning environment, where pupils generally behave well both in class and around the school.
St Martin’s offers a variety of activities and experiences that support the broader development of pupils. Residential trips provide opportunities for outdoor and adventurous activities, while extra-curricular clubs such as art, cricket, and football are well attended. Pupils take pride in participating in local competitions and share their achievements during the school’s Friday celebration assemblies.
The school has carefully mapped out the knowledge and skills that pupils need to learn as they progress. Disadvantaged pupils achieve the expected curriculum standards, and teachers adapt learning to meet individual needs. Regular opportunities for recapping prior learning are provided, helping pupils to retain knowledge. However, older pupils have gaps in their learning due to previous curriculum changes, and the school is actively working to identify and address these gaps.
Reception children benefit from a well-structured curriculum that effectively develops their skills and knowledge. Strong relationships fostered by adults encourage children to learn collaboratively. The school has implemented a consistent phonics teaching approach, with staff demonstrating strong subject knowledge and addressing misconceptions promptly. High-quality support is provided to help pupils at risk of falling behind, ensuring they can catch up quickly.
Pupils engage in community services, such as visiting local care homes, which helps them understand the impact of their actions on others. The school promotes a culture of kindness and community involvement, with older pupils participating in initiatives that spread joy during festive seasons.
Attendance levels are high, supported by strong partnerships with parents. While the school regularly reviews individual attendance, it does not consistently analyze patterns of absence among specific groups, such as disadvantaged pupils. Staff feel supported by school leaders regarding their workload and well-being, benefiting from professional development opportunities.
Despite the positive aspects, the school needs to refine its reading approach to ensure that all pupils, particularly in key stage two, read books that match their reading abilities. This will enhance their enjoyment and understanding of reading materials. Additionally, the school’s evaluations of its actions to improve practice need to be more precise to accurately assess their impact on pupils’ academic and personal development.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Martin’s are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school has undergone significant changes since the last inspection, with new leadership in place. Overall, St Martin’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, with a strong commitment to the development and well-being of its pupils.
