Bay Primary School, located on St Alban Road in Bridlington, underwent an inspection on 13 and 14 September 2023, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. This marks a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The school has demonstrated a commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for its pupils, who feel secure and supported by the staff. The presence of safe spaces, such as the Endeavour nurture room, allows students to express their feelings and manage their emotions effectively, contributing to their ability to focus on learning.
The school is dedicated to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve their potential. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to help students retain essential knowledge, fostering a love for learning from the early years in Reception through to Year 6. Pupils find their lessons engaging and are generally attentive, which enhances their educational experience. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs and educational trips, which help to broaden pupils' interests and understanding of the world. For instance, older students had the opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament, enriching their knowledge of democracy.
Behaviour at the school is commendable, with pupils demonstrating respect and politeness towards one another and adults. From a young age, children are taught the importance of listening and following routines, which helps them concentrate on their studies. The positive atmosphere is further reinforced by the older pupils, who actively support their peers and contribute to a respectful school culture.
The school has made notable improvements to its curriculum in recent years, ensuring that the knowledge pupils need to acquire is clearly sequenced. For example, in physical education, Year 6 students build on skills learned in Year 5, which helps them develop a deeper understanding of the subject. The focus on vocabulary acquisition begins in Reception, where children learn to associate feelings with colours through creative activities. However, some older pupils still exhibit gaps in their subject knowledge due to disruptions caused by the pandemic, which were reflected in the outcomes of Year 6 pupils in 2022. The school is actively addressing these gaps by prioritizing essential knowledge and revisiting it regularly in lessons, allowing pupils to catch up effectively.
Reading is a priority at Bay Primary School, with most pupils expressing a love for reading. The school employs a systematic approach to phonics, ensuring that children are well-prepared for reading lessons. Regular assessments help identify pupils who may be struggling, allowing for timely support to help them improve. Despite these efforts, a few older pupils still face challenges in reading age-appropriate texts, indicating that further targeted support is necessary.
The school collaborates with external professionals to support pupils with special educational needs, although there are areas for improvement in the clarity of the information provided in their support plans. This lack of precision can hinder staff from effectively meeting the needs of all pupils. Additionally, while most pupils understand the importance of regular attendance, some still miss significant learning opportunities, prompting the school to work closely with families to improve attendance rates.
Governors play an active role in the school, providing both support and challenge to the leadership team. They are well-informed about the school's operations and ensure that decisions made by leaders benefit the pupils. The majority of staff feel supported in managing their workload and take pride in being part of the school community.
The safeguarding arrangements at Bay Primary School are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare is prioritized. The school is committed to continuous improvement, focusing on addressing the gaps in reading for older pupils, refining support plans for those with special educational needs, and enhancing attendance strategies. Overall, Bay Primary School is making significant strides in providing a quality education and fostering a positive environment for its pupils.
