St William of York Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils at this school receive a wonderful and happy learning experience. There are high expectations of what they can achieve. Pupils respond every day by working with high levels of focus.

This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils consistently produce work that demonstrates their strong knowledge. It also reflects the great pride that they take in their learning.

Pupils' achievements are impressive.

Pupils' behaviour is impeccable throughout the school day. This is the result of the trusting relationships that are developed by staff who know their pupils well and understand their learning needs.

Children ...in the early years classes learn to listen carefully to each other and to adults. Older pupils speak enthusiastically about the house points that they receive for being role models and living out the school's values.

The school ensures that pupils feel included in all aspects of school life.

They have a commitment to the success of all pupils. Pupils celebrate the diversity that exists within their school. Sharing each other's migration stories helps pupils to value different ways of life.

The school provides a range of enrichment activities to widen pupils' experiences. Pupils are exceptionally well supported to develop their knowledge of life beyond school. This boosts their self-confidence as a result.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has a remarkably effective English and mathematics curriculum. Pupils achieve outcomes in national tests significantly better than the nationally published averages. The wider curriculum is also expertly designed.

The school is crystal clear about what it wants pupils to know. Pupils learn this knowledge thoroughly. Their books show that they deeply understand and apply their knowledge in a variety of ways.

They practise and refine their learning with high-quality feedback from staff. The school's systems for securing this knowledge over time are thorough and effective.

Adults teach the curriculum with accuracy and with an expert approach to identifying and supporting pupils with SEND.

The school focuses on teaching effective vocabulary. In the early years, children begin with the introduction of sign language. This supports the substantial proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language.

Consequently, pupils build their literacy and speaking skills rapidly. Pupils are strong mathematicians from the early years classes onwards. They pair their strong mental arithmetic fluency with fantastic reading skills to solve longer mathematical problems methodically.

The school prioritises reading from the moment children start school. Pupils are enthusiastic about reading because of the highly effective way in which the school promotes a love of books. Children in the Nursery Year develop a strong knowledge of sounds.

This supports them well when they begin to learn the phonics programme in the Reception class. For pupils who need extra support with their reading, there is expert help on hand. This ensures that pupils keep up with the expectations of the phonics programme.

They become fluent readers by the time they leave key stage 1.

Attendance is strong because leaders create such a positive culture about being at school. In some instances, pupils and families find attendance more challenging.

When this happens, the school works sensitively but firmly with them to overcome these issues. Pupils' conduct around school is exemplary. As a result, many moments are filled with exciting learning.

Pupils are taught about what it means to be a good friend and are proud to put this into practice around the school. They have impeccable manners and consistently act with thoughtfulness.

Pupils are well-informed modern British citizens with a powerful sense of purpose.

The school has recognised its context and has proactively developed the personal development provision to reflect this. Pupils are expert in their understanding of diversity and inclusion. The school provides ample opportunities for pupils to learn about diverse cultures, perspectives and lifestyles.

Pupils receive an exceptionally varied extra-curricular offer. This is deeply impactful for pupils, especially the most disadvantaged.

The culture of learning in the school extends to the staff as well.

Leaders provide effective professional development about how to deliver the curriculum. This ensures that standards in the classroom are as high as possible. Workload demands on staff are balanced carefully so that staff feel well supported.

Leaders and governors have achieved this despite having to manage significant disruption due to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). Throughout this, leaders have ensured that the continued focus was on delivering the best possible education for pupils.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.