Girlington Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 September 2023

Pupils love coming to this welcoming and inclusive school. They feel safe and are kept safe by caring adults. Bullying is rare, and pupils know that adults always act swiftly to help resolve any problems. They know that they can go to trusted adults with any worries. The school is ambitious for what pupils can achieve and has high expectations of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils fulfil these high expectations and achieve well. Children get off to an excellent start to their education in the early years. The school also has high expectations of pupils' behaviour, and these expectations are realised. Pupils are polite and courteous. There is a strong sense of calm and purposeful activity in classrooms. In lessons, pupils are highly engaged in their learning. They are attentive and keen to contribute. There are opportunities for pupils to develop a range of skills and talents through a broad offer of extra-curricular clubs. Many pupils enjoy attending these, which includes clubs themed around different sports, as well as healthy lifestyles through the nutrition club. The school ensures that disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND attend these clubs. Pupils are encouraged to eat healthily, and they all have access to free fruit at breaktimes. Pupils are welcoming and are respectful of others. They are encouraged to take responsibility through class and school councillor roles. Pupils in these positions of responsibility can explain how they contribute to everybody having a role in improving the school.

What the school should improve

• Newly introduced assessment procedures in some foundation subjects are not embedded. As a result, teaching is less well informed about the next steps in pupils' learning and the important knowledge they need. The school should ensure that assessment is used effectively in all areas of the foundation curriculum.
• Pupils' attendance is improving but remains irregular. Many pupils miss out on vital learning and do not achieve as well as they should. The school should continue to work with parents who do not see the importance of regular school attendance.
• Some pupils have limited experience of learning about people or communities beyond their own. Because of this, they are not well prepared for life in modern Britain. Leaders should ensure that the school's programme of personal development is sufficiently well designed so that pupils benefit from a wide and rich set of experiences and learning that prepare them well for life.

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