St Nicholas Church of England Primary School, West Tanfield

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school St Nicholas Church of England Primary School is an inclusive and happy school. It continues to provide its pupils with a good education.

The executive headteacher provides committed leadership. Alongside her staff and the governing body, she has successfully steered the school through a challenging period. As a result, staffing is stable and the quality of teaching is good.

Pupils' progress is improving across the school. The high proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make good progress from their starting points. However, this progress is not always reflected in pupils' attainment at the end of ea...ch key stage.

Staff are adept at teaching the mixed-age classes. Pupils respond well to the efficient routines and procedures arranged by teachers. As a result, pupils are mature, responsible learners who work productively on a wide range of well-designed activities across the curriculum.

Teachers provide pupils with plentiful opportunities to improve their reading and writing to a high standard. Pupils are beginning to strengthen and apply their reasoning skills in mathematics, but this is not yet consistent, and few pupils reach the higher standards. The teaching of phonics is a strength.

Pupils develop their phonics skills quickly and apply them well when reading. Leaders have secured positive relationships with parents and carers, who value the care their children receive. Parents are less involved in learning activities, such as reading.

Leaders provide a caring and nurturing environment where pupils grow in confidence and are keen to learn. This has a positive effect on their personal development. Pupils behave well and are respectful of others.

Pupils attend school regularly and say that they feel safe. Leaders and governors ensure that teachers lead a range of subjects effectively. Observations and examples of pupils' work across the school demonstrate pupils' enjoyment in a range of exciting topics.

Children make a good start to the early years. Adults know each child very well and tailor teaching and learning to ensure that all children grow in confidence. Children enjoy their learning and make strong progress.

Opportunities for children to extend their learning outdoors are limited.

Information about this school

The school is much smaller than the average-sized primary school. The large majority of pupils are of White British or Other White background.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils who are known to be eligible for support through the pupil premium funding is lower than the national average. The proportion of pupils with SEND is above the national average. None of these pupils have an education, health and care plan.

The school provides full-time places for children in the Reception classes. There is no nursery provision. The school runs a breakfast club.

Children are taught in two mixed-age classes. An increasing number of pupils join classes during the school year. The school has undergone considerable change in staffing since the previous inspection.

The governing body has also undergone change in membership, including a new chair of the governing body. The school is in a collaborative partnership with Kirkby Malzeard Church of England Primary School and they share an executive headteacher. The school receives support from the local authority, the Ripon Rural Cluster of Schools and the Harrogate and Rural Teaching Schools Alliance.