New York Primary School, located on Langrick Road in Lincolnshire, underwent an inspection on May 16 and 17, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education, leadership, management, and early years provision also receiving similar ratings. However, the school demonstrated good performance in behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development.
The school emphasizes the importance of respect, which is ingrained in its culture. Pupils are taught to treat others as they wish to be treated, fostering an environment where they feel valued and secure. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with staff consistently managing behavior and helping new students acclimate to the school's expectations. The school promotes a strong sense of community, and pupils enjoy participating in sports, which is a significant aspect of school life. They learn valuable life lessons through sports, including how to handle winning and losing gracefully.
While leaders have high expectations for all pupils, the quality of education in several curriculum areas is not yet sufficient to meet these ambitions. The school is in the process of redesigning its curriculum, with mathematics being a notable success. The mathematics curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge progressively. Teachers closely follow the curriculum and assess pupils' understanding effectively.
However, challenges remain in several foundation subjects and early years learning. The curriculum in these areas lacks clear sequencing, making it difficult for pupils to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills. Additionally, the implementation of a new phonics program has not been consistent across all staff, leading to some pupils mispronouncing letter sounds without correction. The reading curriculum for key stage two also lacks clarity, hindering pupils' comprehension development.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is a strength of the school. Leaders ensure that their needs are understood and met through precise support plans and regular reviews. Staff receive appropriate training to cater to these individual needs.
Pupils display positive attitudes towards learning and demonstrate good concentration in lessons. They respect school rules and strive to be role models for one another. Personal development is a strong point, with pupils understanding the school's values and the importance of gratitude, equality, and inclusion. They actively participate in extracurricular activities, enhancing their overall school experience.
Despite the positive aspects, some subject leaders lack a clear understanding of their subjects' teaching quality. Governors recognize the need to broaden their oversight to ensure high educational standards across the curriculum. Staff report feeling supported, with leaders considering their workload and well-being in decision-making.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff well-informed about procedures for reporting concerns. Pupils learn about safety in personal, social, health, and economic education lessons, and they feel comfortable discussing any worries with staff.
To improve, the school must ensure that all staff deliver the phonics program effectively and address any mispronunciations. Leaders need to clarify the reading curriculum for key stage two and ensure that the foundation subjects are well-sequenced. Subject leadership must be strengthened to enhance the quality of teaching and learning across the curriculum. Overall, while New York Primary School has several strengths, particularly in behavior and personal development, it faces challenges that need to be addressed to improve educational outcomes for all pupils.
