East Whitby Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 March 2025

East Whitby Primary Academy is an inclusive and caring school. Deeply respectful and positive relationships exist between teachers and pupils. During lesson times, pupils' behaviour is calm and focused. At playtime and lunchtime, pupils enjoy playing together. All pupils consider themselves 'playground buddies'. This means that no one is left out. Arguments between pupils are rare. They are confident that when they need help, the adults in school will be there for them. Pupils feel safe, well cared for and respected. The school aims to create confident and independent learners. Consistently high expectations of pupils' work and behaviour help to realise this ambition. This starts in the early years where children are quickly taught to share, take turns and learn together. All pupils are well supported to reach the school's high aspirations. Pupils benefit from a wealth of opportunities that broaden their horizons beyond Whitby. This includes trips to museums, residential experiences and visits from published authors. Pupils relish the opportunities they get to contribute to the life of the school. They enjoy running their own clubs. Pupils speak proudly of the money they have raised for charity and the difference that this has made for others.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, the curriculum does not clearly define the important knowledge and vocabulary that pupils should know and remember. Because of this, learning does not always build sequentially and pupils struggle to remember what they have been taught. The school should clearly establish the important curriculum content and vocabulary that pupils need to learn across all subjects so that they do not have gaps in their knowledge.
• In some subjects, the way in which learning is organised does not give pupils the opportunities they need to build on previous learning. This means that pupils are unable to recall what they have studied. The school should ensure that pupils revisit their previous learning more regularly so that they remember more of what they have been taught.
• The curriculum does not provide pupils with an age-appropriate understanding of fundamental British values. This means that they are not fully prepared for life in modern Britain. The school should ensure that they further develop pupils' understanding of British values so that pupils have a clear understanding of what this means in their lives and their role in society.

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