Sutton Park Primary School, located in Kingston-upon-Hull, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 27 and 28 June 2024. Under the leadership of headteacher Elizabeth Lee, the school is part of the Hull Collaborative Academy Trust, which provides additional oversight and support. The trust is led by CEO Estelle MacDonald and a board of trustees chaired by Malcolm Mathias.
The school emphasizes high expectations for positive behavior from the early years, fostering a supportive environment where staff facilitate discussions to restore relationships among pupils. The outdoor area is a notable feature, offering a variety of play equipment that encourages interaction among students of different ages. This inclusive play environment helps build strong relationships and promotes social skills. Pupils are well-versed in the school's behavior management system, understanding the consequences of their actions and viewing them as fair.
Sutton Park Primary School provides enriching experiences through residential trips in Year 4 and Year 6, which focus on developing independence and teamwork. Educational visits are integrated into the curriculum, enhancing learning through real-world experiences. For instance, Year 6 students visit Bempton Cliffs as part of their geography studies. The school also prioritizes music education, with Year 3 pupils learning brass instruments and Year 5 students participating in a trust opera.
A strong emphasis on reading is evident throughout the school, with initiatives designed to instill a love of literature among pupils and their families. The community book swap area at the school entrance highlights the importance of reading in the school culture. The curriculum is designed around key drivers of aspiration, communication, and understanding, ensuring that pupils can connect their learning across subjects. The school continually reviews and adapts its curriculum to meet the needs of its students, with a structured approach to history that prepares pupils for future learning.
The school has made significant strides in phonics instruction, resulting in improved outcomes for Year 1 pupils. Reading materials are carefully matched to the phonetic knowledge of students, and additional support is provided for those who need it. The school has invested in a diverse range of high-quality books, ensuring that pupils are exposed to various genres and authors.
Recognizing the importance of communication skills, especially for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, the school prioritizes language development from the nursery stage. Activities such as rhyme time and storytelling are integral to the curriculum, supported by collaboration with speech and language specialists. In mathematics, the school has adapted its teaching methods to better serve its pupils, focusing on essential skills and building confidence through repetitive practice.
The school promotes healthy relationships and discussions around equality and discrimination, fostering an environment where pupils feel safe to express their thoughts. Staff well-being is also a priority, with opportunities for professional development and collaboration across the trust. However, the school acknowledges the need for more rigorous monitoring of its curriculum to identify strengths and areas for improvement effectively.
The safeguarding arrangements at Sutton Park Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school has identified areas for improvement, particularly in streamlining the essential knowledge that pupils need to retain in the wider curriculum. This will help ensure consistency in teaching and learning across subjects. Overall, Sutton Park Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, with a commitment to ongoing improvement and development.
