Staithes, Seton Community Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Since her appointment, the headteacher has managed significant amounts of change successfully, with great sensitivity and professionalism. The headteacher has a strong vision for developing a highly engaging curriculum and is well on her way to achieving this. She acknowledges there is more to do to ensure that pupils' achievement in all subjects meets her high expectations.

Almost all teachers are recently appointed to the school. They work cohesively to ensure that pupils' knowledge and skills are nurtured systematically over time. Assessment information is accurate and used effectively to ensure that pupils' needs and interests are met.
.../>Subject leaders are enthusiastic and knowledgeable. They are in the earliest stages of their development, however, and as yet are not fully involved in monitoring the impact of their work. Governors are committed to the school.

A review of their work has enabled them to work more effectively and efficiently. Reports from their most recent meetings show the increased level of challenge now afforded to school leaders. Pupils are proud of their school and their behaviour is good.

Pupils say that they are happy and feel safe, and most parents endorse this view. Children in the early years get off to a good start in their learning. This is because the early years leader is an exceptional practitioner.

She has ensured that the quality of teaching is good, and that activities are well matched to children's needs. Over time pupils' attainment and progress declined. This is no longer the case.

Past weaknesses in pupils' outcomes are being ironed out effectively. As a result, the achievement of pupils currently in the school is improving well. Leaders know that there is more to do to strengthen outcomes further, particularly for the most able and disadvantaged most able pupils.

Since the previous inspection, leaders have introduced more robust systems for tackling pupils' persistent absenteeism. However, there remains a significant minority of parents who do not ensure that their children attend regularly and on time.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average-sized primary school.

Almost all pupils are of White British heritage. Because of the size of the school, all pupils are taught in mixed-age classes. The overall proportion of disadvantaged pupils is above the national average.

In some year groups, over half of all pupils are disadvantaged. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is above the national average. However, no pupils have an education, health and care plan, which is below the proportion found nationally.

Since the school was previously inspected there has been significant change in staffing. The headteacher, school administrator, several governors and almost all teaching staff are new to the school. The school's website does not meet the Department for Education's statutory requirements, specifically regarding the most recent pupil premium strategy and several policy updates, which are yet to be completed.