Levendale Primary School, located in Yarm, North Yorkshire, has recently undergone its first inspection since joining the 1590 Trust in April 2019. The inspection, conducted on June 13 and 14, 2023, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school’s vision of Being the best we can be is evident in the positive atmosphere that greets visitors, with pupils expressing enthusiasm for their learning environment. They feel safe and happy, contributing to a calm and purposeful classroom setting characterized by mutual respect between staff and students.
Pupils at Levendale Primary School demonstrate strong friendships and supportive behaviours, showing positive attitudes towards their learning. They are well-informed about various forms of bullying and know how to seek help if needed. The school has fostered strong relationships with parents and carers, enhancing the community feel. In the early years, children exhibit a love for learning, which is nurtured through engaging activities and high expectations, leading to impressive achievements by the end of Reception.
The quality of teaching is effective, enabling pupils to gain knowledge and skills. Teachers regularly assess understanding and revisit prior learning, particularly in early reading and French, where engaging teaching methods have led to high performance. However, the approach to teaching is not yet consistently applied across all subjects, such as history, which can result in gaps in knowledge and engagement. Leaders are actively reviewing and adapting the curriculum to address these inconsistencies, including the introduction of the Levendale goals to promote a positive mindset and independence among pupils.
The school prioritizes reading, with a structured phonics programme that begins in Nursery. This early focus on literacy helps pupils become confident readers, with additional support provided for those who struggle. The early years environment is welcoming and rich in learning opportunities, allowing children to thrive and achieve high standards.
Behaviour at Levendale is a notable strength, with the school’s mantra of Be Safe, Be Ready, Be Respectful deeply embedded in its culture. Pupils engage with this ethos meaningfully, and the PSHE curriculum supports their understanding of relationships, tolerance, and diversity. However, there is room for improvement in developing pupils' knowledge of fundamental British values, particularly individual liberty.
Leadership at the school is strong, with a shared vision among all leaders, including trustees and governors. They play an active role in school life, effectively holding leaders accountable while supporting staff well-being. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with all staff trained in procedures to ensure pupil safety. Concerns are addressed promptly, and pupils are educated about safety through various channels.
To enhance the quality of education further, the school must ensure that the curriculum is consistently well-taught across all subjects. This includes building teacher confidence in delivering the curriculum effectively and ensuring that all pupils are fully engaged in their learning. Overall, Levendale Primary School is a thriving educational environment that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils while striving for continuous improvement in its educational offerings.
