Burneston Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, located in North Yorkshire, underwent an inspection on July 3 and 4, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant progress since its previous inspection, which rated it 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 community, including leaders, staff, pupils, and governors, takes pride in their institution, sharing a vision of celebrate, collaborate, and pollinate. Pupils arrive at school eager to learn and engage with their peers. Parents and carers express overwhelming satisfaction with the education their children receive. The school fosters a sense of community, teaching pupils the importance of collaboration and respect from Reception through Year 6, which is a notable strength.
Leaders maintain high expectations for pupil behavior and achievement, resulting in well-mannered and polite students. Positive learning behaviors are modeled by adults and peers alike, with even the youngest pupils taking on the role of learning detectives, recognizing and appreciating good learning practices in others. The supportive environment allows pupils to thrive, feeling cared for and secure. Instances of negative behavior are addressed promptly by teachers, and bullying is reported as rare.
The curriculum is well-planned and engaging, with pupils eager to participate in learning and extracurricular opportunities. Attendance has improved significantly since the last inspection, reflecting the pupils' enthusiasm for school. Leaders have designed a broad and ambitious curriculum that is relevant and meaningful, preparing pupils for secondary education. Each subject is carefully sequenced, ensuring that key knowledge is identified and taught effectively.
In subjects like geography, the curriculum is integrated with local community studies, enhancing the relevance of learning. Pupils demonstrate a good understanding of previous knowledge and apply it in discussions and projects. However, in some areas, such as design technology, pupils have not yet fully retained the knowledge due to the relatively new curriculum implementation.
A strong emphasis on reading is evident throughout the school, with pupils expressing excitement about their reading materials. The phonics program for younger pupils is well-structured, with regular assessments to support those who may need additional help. Although a new writing approach has been introduced, its impact is still being evaluated, and some pupils struggle to apply learned spelling and grammar rules consistently.
The school is inclusive, ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive the same curriculum as their peers, with necessary adaptations in place. The nurturing environment promotes positive relationships among pupils, with older students taking on buddy roles for younger ones, fostering a sense of responsibility and care.
Leaders and governors share a strong vision for high-quality education, prioritizing staff development and well-being. The governing body effectively supports and challenges school leaders, ensuring a clear oversight of school operations. Safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong culture of safety and awareness among staff and pupils. The school teaches pupils about safety in the community and online, ensuring they know whom to approach with concerns.
While the school has made commendable progress, there are areas for improvement. The implementation of the curriculum in certain subjects needs to be fully realized to ensure pupils retain crucial knowledge. Additionally, there is a need for systematic teaching of handwriting and consistent application of spelling and grammar rules across all classes. Overall, Burneston Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment.
