Skipton Parish Church of England Primary School, located in Skipton, North Yorkshire, has recently undergone its first inspection under the Education Act 2005, receiving an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on June 18 and 19, 2024, and evaluated various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as good.
The headteacher, Lucy Peberdy, leads the school, which is part of the Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Jane Goodwin and a board of trustees chaired by Alison Glover. The school fosters a caring and supportive environment where pupils feel happy and valued. Staff members are well-acquainted with the students and their families, creating a strong sense of community. High expectations are set for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The behavior of pupils is commendable, as they demonstrate respect towards each other and adults, contributing to a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
Pupils are taught to stay safe both online and offline, and they learn about healthy relationships. Leadership opportunities are available, with initiatives like mindfulness mentors and well-being champions supporting younger students during playtimes. The early years provision is effective, with children in Reception starting their educational journey positively, engaging with one another respectfully and learning a curriculum that prepares them for future studies.
The school has developed an ambitious curriculum that outlines the essential knowledge pupils are expected to acquire. This curriculum is structured to promote collaboration and independence among students, encouraging them to engage in debates and reflective thinking. Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding in most subjects, although some foundation subjects require improvement in this area to prevent knowledge gaps.
While pupils generally achieve in line with national expectations, there are areas for improvement, particularly in writing and mathematics, where results fell below national averages in 2023. The school has responded by implementing a new writing curriculum and adapting the mathematics curriculum to address identified gaps. Early indications show positive impacts from these changes, although published outcomes have yet to reflect this progress fully.
Reading is a priority at the school, with phonics instruction beginning in Reception. Teachers are knowledgeable in phonics and provide engaging lessons that help pupils succeed. Support is available for those struggling with phonics, ensuring that most pupils can catch up effectively. The school promotes a love of reading, with daily reading activities and book exchanges among pupils.
The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs, working closely with families to ensure appropriate adaptations are made in teaching. Attendance is monitored closely, and the school has established procedures to support families in maintaining high attendance rates.
Pupils receive a well-rounded education that includes learning about different faiths and the importance of diversity. The school council plays an active role in fundraising for local charities, and positive behaviors are recognized in weekly assemblies. Staff morale is high, and parents express strong satisfaction with the education and care provided.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring that pupils' welfare is prioritized. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that pupils have a solid understanding of writing fundamentals before progressing in the curriculum. Additionally, the assessment approach in foundation subjects needs to be fully developed to ensure consistent learning outcomes across all areas. Overall, Skipton Parish Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all pupils.
