Ulceby St Nicholas Church of England Primary School, located in Ulceby, Lincolnshire, has recently undergone an inspection on January 31 and February 1, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, reflecting a positive environment for learning and development. The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, as well as early years provision have all been assessed as good, indicating a consistent standard across various aspects of the school.
The head of the school, Holly Atkinson, leads a dedicated team within the Lincoln Anglican Academy Trust, which provides additional support and governance. The trust is overseen by CEO Jackie Waters-Dewhurst and a board of trustees chaired by Jerry Woolner. The executive headteacher, Emma Hill, also plays a significant role in the management of the school.
Pupils at Ulceby St Nicholas Primary School experience a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. They report feeling safe and respected, fostering a strong sense of community. The school promotes high expectations for behaviour, resulting in a calm and focused learning environment. Pupils engage positively with one another, demonstrating respect for differing opinions and actively including peers during playtime. The school’s rules, which emphasize readiness, respect, and safety, are viewed as fair by the students.
The curriculum is designed around five key themes: confidence, emotional well-being, aspiration, independence, and outward-facing perspectives. These themes are integral to preparing pupils for life in modern Britain. The school effectively adapts its curriculum to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that all students can access the learning material.
While the curriculum is generally well-structured, some areas require improvement. Subject leaders, many of whom are new to their roles, have not yet fully monitored the impact of their subjects on pupil learning. This has led to some gaps in knowledge and misconceptions that need to be addressed. Additionally, there are concerns regarding handwriting and spelling, as repeated errors in these areas have been noted in pupils' work. The school needs to clarify the curriculum for handwriting to ensure that pupils develop accurate letter formation from an early stage.
In mathematics, children are encouraged to develop strong number sense through engaging activities. The school is fostering a culture that celebrates reading, with pupils expressing enthusiasm for the books they encounter. The reading program is structured to support pupils in decoding words effectively, and additional support is provided for those who struggle.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities and trips, broadening pupils' experiences beyond their immediate environment. Opportunities for leadership, such as becoming worship leaders, empower students and encourage civic engagement. However, there is a need for pupils to better connect their learning about British values and diversity to real-world contexts.
The school benefits from strong support from the trust, which prioritizes the needs of pupils and provides professional development opportunities for staff. This support is particularly beneficial for early-career teachers, ensuring they feel well-equipped in their roles.
Safeguarding measures at the school are effective, creating a safe environment for all pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement, with clear steps outlined for enhancing the curriculum and addressing identified gaps in learning. Overall, Ulceby St Nicholas Church of England Primary School demonstrates a solid foundation for educational success, with a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
