West Heslerton Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher provides honest leadership.

She knows the school exceptionally well, because of the regular monitoring she undertakes. She has managed a difficult period of staffing turbulence with great sensitivity and professionalism. Governors are skilled professionals.

They use their collective skills to provide high levels of challenge and support to leaders. Parents and carers are wholly supportive of the school. They value the support and guidance they receive, and especially those parents of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Children in the early years make good progress. In 2018, their out...comes were in line with the national average. Occasionally, adults' interventions during children's play are not sufficiently well timed to move children's learning on, particularly in the outdoors.

Leaders are redesigning the curriculum. While the intent is exciting, it is yet to be implemented. The quality of teaching is good and is now settled after a period of turbulence.

Teachers plan activities that engage and excite pupils. However, there are inconsistencies between classes in the opportunities pupils receive to edit and redraft their writing. Although pupils reach the required national 'phonic standard' by the end of Year 2, there are insufficient opportunities for pupils to make the speedy progress required in their reading fluency.

Following a steep decline in pupils' outcomes in 2016, there has been year-on-year improvement. In 2018, pupils' combined outcomes at the end of key stage 2 were above the national average. Pupils in all year groups are self-assured and confident learners.

They are keen to talk about their learning and to work collaboratively. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. They are courteous and polite to each other and to visitors.

The strong Christian ethos permeates all aspects of the school's work.

Information about this school

Since the last inspection, the school has grown and now comprises three classes, which include: Reception and Year 1, Year 2 to Year 4 , and Year 5 and Year 6. However, it remains much smaller than the average-sized primary school.

Most pupils are of White British heritage. More pupils that is the case nationally arrive or leave the school at times other than those expected. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is below the national average.

The proportion of pupils with SEND is above the national average. The proportion of pupils with an education, health and care plan is increasing. The school offers a wide range of after-school clubs.