Camblesforth Community Primary Academy is a small, welcoming, and inclusive school located in North Yorkshire. The recent inspection conducted on November 28 and 29, 2023, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good, a significant improvement from the previous inspection grade of requires improvement. The headteacher, Dave Card, leads the school, which is part of the Ebor Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Gail Brown and a board of trustees chaired by Rachel Totton.
Pupils at Camblesforth Community Primary Academy feel safe and happy, benefiting from daily check-ins with staff that help them express their feelings. The school has established a supportive environment where pupils can voice their concerns, and incidents of bullying are rare and addressed promptly. The school fosters a sense of pride among students, who appreciate the diverse opportunities available to them, including leadership roles such as restorative ambassadors and student councillors. The school emphasizes personal development through educational visits and extracurricular activities, including sports and music, with high participation rates.
The quality of education provided is good, with a strong focus on early years provision, which has been rated outstanding. The curriculum is well-planned, particularly in communication and language development, ensuring that children are well-prepared for their next phase of learning. The school is committed to ensuring that every pupil learns to read, starting from nursery. The reading curriculum is structured and progressive, with staff trained to deliver a phonics program that supports pupils in developing confidence and fluency in reading. Additional support is provided for those who struggle, including catch-up sessions.
While the school has made significant strides in refining its curriculum, there are areas that require further development. In some foundation subjects, the curriculum does not fully build on prior knowledge, leading to gaps in understanding. Leaders are aware of this and are working to ensure that the curriculum clearly identifies essential knowledge and the sequence in which it should be taught.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well-supported, with early identification of their needs and appropriate adaptations made in the classroom. This inclusive approach allows these pupils to engage with the curriculum alongside their peers. The school environment is calm and purposeful, with clear expectations for behavior that pupils understand and adhere to. Attendance rates are high, reflecting the effective systems in place to promote regular attendance.
The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum is robust, providing pupils with a comprehensive understanding of British values and the importance of equality and respect. The school’s leadership, including trustees and governors, is diligent in fulfilling their responsibilities, ensuring that staff feel supported and valued.
The inspection concluded that while the school has made commendable progress, it must continue to develop the curriculum in certain subjects to ensure that all pupils consistently build on their knowledge. The school is dedicated to maintaining its positive trajectory and enhancing the educational experience for all its pupils. Overall, Camblesforth Community Primary Academy is a school that prioritizes the well-being and development of its students, fostering a nurturing and effective learning environment.
