Errington Primary School, located in Marske-by-Sea, North Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 29 and 30, 2023. The school is committed to providing a warm and welcoming environment for its pupils, fostering a culture of kindness, respect, and curiosity. Leaders at the school have implemented a variety of enrichment opportunities that stimulate pupils' interests and learning. For instance, Year 2 students engaged in a space camp to explore the solar system, while others participated in a Q&A session with a local Buddhist leader to learn about different faiths.
Pupils at Errington Primary School exhibit exemplary behavior, demonstrating politeness and respect towards one another. The school emphasizes the importance of kindness, and pupils are regularly rewarded for their positive conduct. The school motto, Be kind, be ready, be curious, resonates with both students and staff, creating a supportive community. During social times, pupils interact well, and incidents of bullying are rare, with students understanding the distinction between bullying and unkind behavior. They feel confident in the adults' ability to address any issues that arise.
In the classroom, pupils are focused and engaged in their learning. They trust their teachers to assist them when they face challenges. The curriculum at Errington Primary extends beyond the basic requirements, with a strong emphasis on subjects like reading and mathematics, which are crucial for accessing other areas of study. The school also offers a forest school program, enhancing the learning experience for students. Most pupils achieve well, preparing them for the transition to secondary education.
Since the appointment of the headteacher in September 2021, there has been a concerted effort to enhance the quality of the curriculum. Leaders have prioritized reading and mathematics, ensuring that the learning in key stages one and two builds on prior knowledge from early years education. While progress has been made in these areas, leaders are continuing to refine other subjects, including some foundation subjects.
The teaching of phonics is consistent across the school, with staff trained to deliver the phonics scheme effectively. Children begin learning phonics in nursery, and they develop confidence in using their phonetic knowledge to read new words. Support is provided for pupils who require additional help, and there is a strong culture of reading within the school, with pupils frequently utilizing both the school and local libraries.
In the early years, children are supported in achieving positive outcomes through a combination of independent and adult-led activities. Subject leaders ensure that the curriculum aligns with national standards and make appropriate cross-curricular links. For example, during the inspection, pupils in key stage two connected their reading of a book set in Tibet to their geography lessons on mountain formation.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement. In some subjects, the most critical knowledge is not clearly identified or broken down into manageable steps, which can lead to inconsistencies in what pupils are expected to learn. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that the curriculum's long-term goals are translated into clear, actionable steps for teachers.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with pupils aware of how to keep themselves safe and confident in discussing concerns with adults. Staff are trained to report any welfare concerns promptly, and leaders maintain detailed records of actions taken in response to safeguarding issues.
Overall, Errington Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, with a strong focus on personal development and academic achievement. The leadership team is dedicated to ongoing improvement, ensuring that all students receive the best possible education.
