Staynor Hall Primary Academy, located in Selby, North Yorkshire, has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection in June 2019. The headteacher, who was recently appointed, has quickly built positive relationships with staff, pupils, and parents, fostering an environment of mutual respect and teamwork. Since the school's opening, leaders have effectively addressed areas for improvement, resulting in consistently effective teaching that enables pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is broad and balanced, with ongoing reviews to ensure that pupils acquire increasingly complex knowledge as they advance through the school.
The academy trust provides strong support to leaders, although many middle leaders are new to their roles and have not yet had sufficient time to lead improvements in their areas of responsibility. The trust has implemented a systematic cycle of monitoring and assessment that is thorough and effective, with professional development for teachers driving improvement. Governors are committed and well-informed, possessing a good understanding of the school's strengths and weaknesses.
Phonics teaching in Year 1 is highly effective, but there are concerns regarding the early years provision. Specifically, lower-attaining children do not start as well as they could because the reading books used do not align with their phonics knowledge. The pupil premium funding is utilized effectively, with a behavior and support team providing timely nurture to pupils, which has significantly improved attendance rates for this group.
Pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons and during playtime, demonstrating positive attitudes toward learning and enjoyment of school. Leaders promote pupils' spiritual, moral, and social development effectively, although some pupils have limited knowledge of cultures different from their own. The provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is effective, with additional support ensuring full inclusion within the school.
In the early years, leadership and teaching are effective, leading to good progress for children. However, activities for two-year-olds and outdoor learning opportunities are not consistently well-designed to maximize independent learning. The school has identified areas for further improvement, including developing the skills of subject leaders and enhancing the curriculum to ensure pupils acquire more complex knowledge, particularly regarding different cultures.
To improve the quality of teaching in the early years, the school aims to ensure that phonics sessions effectively support lower-attaining children's reading development and that outdoor activities have clear learning purposes. The early years leader is experienced and knowledgeable, regularly monitoring teaching quality and ensuring that children make strong progress from their starting points. The proportion of children reaching a good level of development is above the national average.
Overall, Staynor Hall Primary Academy is a good school with effective leadership, quality teaching, and positive outcomes for pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement, focusing on enhancing the curriculum and ensuring that all pupils receive the support they need to thrive academically and personally. The strong relationships among staff, pupils, and parents contribute to a positive school culture that values learning and personal development.
