Stamford Bridge Primary School, located in North Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 19-20, 2019. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are happy and engaged in their learning. The behavior of students is commendable, with many taking on roles such as ‘peace makers’ during break times to ensure that all children have someone to play with and that any minor conflicts are resolved swiftly. Pupils express that they feel safe at school and report that bullying is rare, highlighting the effective emotional support provided by adults in the school.
The teaching staff at Stamford Bridge Primary School maintain high expectations for both academic performance and behavior. Students achieve well and reach high standards across various subjects. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in subjects like history, where the teaching can be disjointed. This sometimes leads to gaps in students' retention of previously learned material, as opportunities to revisit and connect past learning with new concepts are not fully utilized.
Physical education is a notable strength of the school, with students enjoying a variety of activities during lessons, after school, and at break times. The curriculum is well-planned in subjects such as reading, mathematics, and physical education, ensuring that students develop a solid foundation in these areas. The school promotes a love for reading, with ample opportunities for students to engage with books and for adults to read to them. Phonics instruction is delivered effectively, although there are instances where teaching assistants do not consistently model correct letter formation, which can lead to misunderstandings among pupils.
The leadership team at Stamford Bridge Primary School works collaboratively, sharing a vision of excellence and valuing the contributions of all staff members. Teachers and teaching assistants receive ongoing training and support, which contributes to a positive working environment. The school has established strong relationships with the local authority and external consultants, allowing for continuous improvement based on feedback and best practices.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff well-informed about safeguarding issues and procedures. Governors play an active role in ensuring the safety of pupils, conducting thorough checks on staff before they begin working at the school. Regular safety assessments are conducted across the school’s two sites to maintain a secure environment for all students.
Despite the overall positive outcomes, there are areas identified for improvement. Some teaching assistants need to better implement the training they have received to avoid misleading pupils. Additionally, while curriculum leaders have good subject knowledge, there is a need for more sequential planning in subjects like history to enhance students' understanding and retention of knowledge. The school is in the process of developing and implementing curriculum plans to address these gaps, but further time is needed to assess their effectiveness.
Overall, Stamford Bridge Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils, with a strong emphasis on emotional well-being, academic achievement, and community involvement. The commitment of the staff and leadership to continuous improvement is evident, and with targeted efforts in specific areas, the school is well-positioned to enhance its educational offerings further.
