Long Preston Endowed Voluntary Aided Primary School is a small rural school located in North Yorkshire. The school has a close-knit community where pupils and staff foster a caring environment. The atmosphere is characterized by kindness, with older pupils looking out for younger ones, creating a familial feel that parents appreciate. Communication between the school and parents is effective, contributing to a positive relationship. The school emphasizes the importance of kindness, and instances of bullying are rare, with any issues being addressed promptly and effectively by the staff. Pupils express trust in their teachers to handle any concerns they may have.
The school promotes a love for learning, and pupils demonstrate good behavior both in lessons and throughout the school. Teachers maintain high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The mixed-age classes allow for inclusive teaching practices, ensuring that every pupil feels part of the school community. The outdoor space is well-utilized, with recent improvements to play equipment enhancing the learning experience outside the classroom.
Curriculum plans across subjects are ambitious, building on pupils' knowledge and skills from early years through to their next educational stages. Leaders have prioritized enhancing the quality of education in early reading and mathematics, with clear curriculum plans that outline what pupils need to learn at each stage. Teachers focus on ensuring that pupils grasp essential knowledge, addressing any misconceptions quickly to support their learning journey. This approach has proven effective, particularly for pupils who are at the early stages of learning to read or those who have fallen behind.
However, in subjects like history and geography, curriculum plans are less defined, which can lead to inconsistencies in teaching and assessment. Leaders are aware of this and have begun to develop clearer plans in these areas. The school provides regular training and high-quality resources to support teachers, who feel confident in delivering a broad range of subjects. The emphasis on revisiting knowledge helps pupils retain what they have learned over time.
Pupils engage in various extracurricular activities, including after-school clubs and educational visits, which enrich their learning experiences. They take pride in participating in the school council and contributing to collective worship planning. The school also focuses on broadening pupils' understanding of the world, connecting them with peers in other countries and teaching them about different cultures.
The school has a strong safeguarding culture, with staff trained to identify and respond to potential risks. Leaders ensure that pupils are aware of safeguarding issues and feel confident in seeking help if needed. The school has shown improvement since the last inspection, with staff expressing pride in their work and the positive changes implemented by leaders.
Overall, Long Preston Endowed Voluntary Aided Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all pupils. The commitment to kindness, effective communication, and a well-structured curriculum contributes to the school's success. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in curriculum clarity for certain subjects, the school is well-positioned to build on its strengths and continue providing an excellent educational experience for its pupils.
