Sinnington Community Primary School has been assessed as a good school during its recent inspection on January 23, 2024. The head of school, Neil Roden, leads the institution, which is part of the Ryedale Learning Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Mark McCandless and a board of trustees chaired by David Dangerfield. The school has a positive reputation, with pupils thriving in a supportive and safe environment. The core value of respect is evident throughout the school, contributing to high standards of behavior and positive attitudes towards learning. Pupils express confidence in the staff's ability to address any issues, including bullying, which they report as rare.
The school fosters leadership opportunities for pupils, enhancing their personal development. Initiatives like the eco-warriors demonstrate pupils' commitment to improving their school environment through projects such as fundraising for recycling bins. The school community is described as friendly and caring, akin to a large family, as noted by parents. High expectations from leaders at all levels promote a positive learning atmosphere, allowing all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, to meet these expectations.
Sinnington Community Primary School excels in its early years provision, where staff focus on developing language and vocabulary through engaging stories and songs. This foundational work prepares children for phonics learning in Reception. The teaching of phonics is consistent and well-supported, ensuring that pupils become fluent readers. The school provides inviting reading areas filled with diverse and quality texts, fostering a love for reading. The mathematics curriculum is meticulously planned, and staff receive effective professional development, resulting in strong pupil achievement in this subject.
The wider curriculum is developed in collaboration with other schools in the trust, ensuring it is relevant to the local context. Pupils engage enthusiastically in lessons, and their learning experiences are often interconnected, preparing them for future topics. However, some foundation subjects lack clear identification of essential knowledge, which can hinder pupils' ability to recall important information. The school is aware of this and aims to improve the sequencing of the curriculum to enhance knowledge retention.
Attendance at Sinnington Community Primary School is high, with low rates of persistent absence. Leaders actively promote good attendance and have successfully implemented measures that have led to significant improvements. The school offers a well-structured personal development program, including leadership roles and educational visits, which pupils find exciting and enriching. Awareness of diverse cultures and religions is prioritized, with planned activities to broaden pupils' understanding.
Leadership within the school is strong, with staff feeling supported and valued. The governors demonstrate diligence in their responsibilities, ensuring effective oversight of the school. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, creating a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection highlighted the need for the school to refine its curriculum in certain subjects to ensure that essential knowledge is clearly identified and taught systematically. Overall, Sinnington Community Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, with a commitment to ongoing improvement and the well-being of its pupils.