Catterick Garrison, Le Cateau Community Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 September 2022

Positive relationships, respect and teamwork touch every part of this school and its community. Pupils are happy. They laugh, smile and get along well with each other. They understand that their school is quite unique. The majority of pupils come from military families. The huge range of national flags in the school entrance celebrates the diversity within the school. Many pupils speak languages other than English. Pupils see their friends move on to other schools and countries frequently. They miss their friends but acknowledge that it is part of their lives. Pupils are adaptable and sociable. They make sure that while their classmates are with them, they are included in the life of the school and kept safe. Pupils feel well supported by staff. They know there is always an adult to talk to if they have a worry or concern. Pupils say that bullying used to happen at times but it doesn't anymore. They know that staff would quickly step in to help if it did. There is a definite 'family' feel to the school. The pastoral support that pupils receive matches the high academic expectations staff have for pupils. Whether you are a pupil who attends the school for several years or a pupil who might spend a few weeks at the school, you will receive the same attention and opportunities.

What the school should improve

• In some foundation subjects, assessment procedures are not sufficiently refined. This means that teachers are trying to assess everything and are not focused on checking if pupils remember vital knowledge. Leaders should look at these foundation subject curriculums and identify what is most important for pupils to remember.
• Some pupils are given reading books that are too difficult for them to read. This means the phonics knowledge they have only enables them to access parts of the text. Some pupils quickly lose interest in their books as they cannot read fluently or with enjoyment. Staff should check that the books given to pupils accurately match their reading knowledge.

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