Whitby Heath Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are extremely happy at this warm, inclusive school.

They are celebrated as individuals who are free to express their unique personalities. The strong relationships that they have with adults help them to thrive and feel safe.

The school has very high expectations for what pupils can achieve.

Pupils understand these expectations and they rise to them. They achieve highly.

Whitby Heath's school values, for example to 'show kindness and respect for yourself and all others' and to 'demonstrate honesty and responsibility', are beautifully lived out in the exemplary way that pupils behave.

Pupils are respectful of each other's opinions and ...beliefs. From the early years to Year 6, pupils are polite, well-mannered and eager to engage in conversation.

Pupils are offered a vast range of carefully planned opportunities that successfully promote their wider personal development.

These activities include a multitude of clubs that they can attend, such as dodgeball, arts and crafts, singing and the lunchtime 'treehouse' club. Pupils talk excitedly about trips to the theatre and the museum and of their residential visits. These experiences nurture pupils' talents and interests and broaden their horizons and aspirations.

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

Over the past two years, the school has established new leadership and new curriculums for many subjects. These curriculums are highly ambitious and engaging for all pupils. From the early years to Year 6, the school has mapped out the important information that pupils will learn progressively.

This enables them to build a secure body of knowledge over time in many subjects.The school provides staff with regular high-quality training. Staff deliver the current curriculum expertly, explaining things clearly and using well-chosen activities.

They promptly identify and resolve misconceptions in pupils' learning. On the whole, staff use their checks effectively to identify any gaps in pupils' knowledge. The school typically uses this information well to enable pupils to remember their learning over time.

However, in a few subjects, pupils do not recall their previous knowledge securely enough. Consequently, they do not have the secure foundations on which to build their new learning.Reading takes a high priority across the school.

Staff deliver the phonics programme skilfully from the start of the Reception Year. Pupils who find reading more difficult receive the support they need to catch up. Most pupils read fluently by the end of Year 2.

Older pupils talk enthusiastically about their favourite books and authors. They enjoy the events that the school holds to celebrate reading.From the moment children enter the Reception Year, their independence is cultivated.

Staff model high-quality communication and language through exciting activities. As a result, children can articulate and explain things exceptionally well when talking to each other or adults.Pupils' behaviour in lessons and around school is exemplary.

The school has successfully developed a culture whereby pupils are highly motivated to learn. This means that there is rarely any disruption to lessons. It also helps to maintain high attendance across the school.

If any pupils are absent, the school's pastoral team takes prompt and effective action to overcome this.The school quickly identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Parents and carers of pupils with SEND appreciate the nurturing support that the school provides to them and to their children.

Thoughtful lesson adaptations ensure that pupils with SEND thrive in all aspects of their development.The school has designed a commendable programme to develop pupils' characters. Pupils are proud to hold roles of responsibility such as school ambassadors and sports leaders.

The school provides many opportunities for pupils to engage with their community. For instance, they raised money for the local hospice by doing a fun run, and the school choir performs regularly in the neighbourhood. Pupils know the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships.

They understand the fundamental British values. Pupils have a deep understanding of how people can differ, and they pride themselves on showing respect to everyone. They are exceptionally well prepared for life in modern Britain.

Governors know the school exceedingly well and are committed to providing the best outcomes for pupils. They are knowledgeable and very well-equipped to carry out their statutory duties and to hold leaders to account for the quality of education that pupils receive. Governors wholly support both leaders' and staff's well-being.

Staff appreciate the tremendous consideration that leaders have of their workload and well-being. They report feeling motivated by enthusiastic leaders who make everyone feel important and valued.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In a few subjects, pupils do not recall their prior learning securely. This hinders pupils' progress through these subject curriculums. The school should refine its processes to check on what pupils know and can confidently remember over time in these subjects.

Also at this postcode