Burneston Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 July 2023

Leaders, staff, pupils and governors are proud of their school. They share the school's vision of 'celebrate, collaborate and pollinate'. Pupils come into school excited to see their friends and ready to learn. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the education that their children receive. Pupils at this school learn what it means to be part of a community. They learn the skills that they need to work together and respect each other. This runs throughout each year group from Reception to Year 6. This is a strength of the school. Leaders have high expectations of pupils' behaviour and what they can achieve. Pupils behave well. They are polite and well mannered. Pupils learn positive learning behaviours from adults and each other. Even the youngest pupils in school become 'learning detectives'. They enjoy the responsibility of 'spotting' good learning behaviours in others. Pupils thrive in this learning environment. They feel cared for and well looked after. Pupils say that if any negative behaviours do happen, teachers quickly sort this out. Pupils say that bullying is rare. Pupils learn an exciting and carefully planned curriculum. Pupils do not want to miss out on this learning or the wider opportunities that the school offers. Pupils are eager to come to school. Pupils' attendance has improved significantly since the last inspection.

What the school should improve

• Curriculum design is in place in all subject areas. However, the implementation of this design in a small number of subjects, such as design technology, and music are relatively recent. Pupils do not remember crucial knowledge that has been identified by leaders in these subject areas. Leaders should ensure that they implement all curriculum subjects fully so that pupils learn and remember the knowledge that they have identified at each stage and in each subject.
• In some year groups, some pupils are not applying the spelling patterns and grammar rules that they have been taught, and the quality of pupils' handwriting is variable. This impedes the fluency and accuracy of recording of learning across the curriculum. Leaders should ensure that teachers know when, and how, to teach handwriting and that they do so systematically. Leaders should ensure that there are further opportunities in all classes for pupils to apply their knowledge of spelling and grammar to their written work.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)