East Morton Church of England Primary School, located in Keighley, West Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 2 and 3, 2022. The school is characterized by a welcoming and happy environment where pupils thrive and find learning irresistible. Parents and carers express satisfaction with the school, noting that their children are eager to engage in all aspects of school life. The leadership and staff maintain high expectations for both behavior and learning, resulting in exemplary conduct among pupils who are kind and considerate towards one another. During break and lunch times, older pupils actively engage with younger ones, fostering a sense of community and safety, with reports of no bullying incidents.
Pupils at East Morton Primary School are confident and articulate, feeling comfortable communicating with adults and expressing concerns through various channels. The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including clubs focused on coding, sports, and the arts, which contribute to the pupils' development as responsible young citizens. The school’s motto emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive the support they need to succeed.
The curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build knowledge over time. Teachers employ effective strategies to reinforce learning, particularly in reading and mathematics, where pupils demonstrate confidence and fluency. The school has implemented a phonics program that supports struggling readers, ensuring that all pupils keep pace with their peers. Daily reading sessions and engaging activities promote a love for reading among students.
Mathematics is a strong subject at the school, with pupils taking pride in their achievements and demonstrating a solid understanding of the material. The early years curriculum is clearly defined, focusing on essential skills in literacy and mathematics, while also fostering children's curiosity about the world around them. However, there is a need for further development in areas such as expressive arts and design to ensure a comprehensive early years experience.
The school has established a positive behavior culture through a consistent behavior policy, with high expectations set from the outset. Older pupils serve as role models for younger students, reinforcing positive behaviors throughout the school day. Pupils are educated about fundamental British values and are provided with opportunities to explore various social issues through a well-planned personal development program.
Staff at East Morton Primary School express pride in their work and appreciate the professional development opportunities provided by the leadership team. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with appropriate checks conducted on staff and regular training to address potential concerns. The curriculum incorporates online safety and personal development, ensuring that pupils are well-informed about how to stay safe in various contexts.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement. Leaders are currently working to enhance the early years curriculum, particularly in defining the knowledge that children should acquire. Additionally, in subjects outside of English and mathematics, some pupils tend to remember activities rather than the intended subject knowledge. Addressing these areas will further strengthen the educational experience at East Morton Church of England Primary School, ensuring that all pupils achieve their full potential.
