Richard Taylor Church of England Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 29 June 2022

Pupils say that they love school and their friends at Richard Taylor Primary. Pupils feel safe, and are safe, because staff look after them well and help them with any problems they may have. Teachers help them to do their best. They are well supported by school staff. Pupils work hard to meet the high expectations set for them by teachers. They are catching up with lost learning brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is because teachers make sure the work that they give to pupils targets their gaps in knowledge and skills. Learning was well managed during the pandemic. This was achieved through the school's thorough remote learning offer. Pupils behave well. There are clear policies and expectations for behaviour which all pupils know and understand well. This ensures a calm and orderly environment in class and around the school. Pupils say that bullying does not happen, but if it did, they trust that adults would deal with it quickly. Pupils enjoy the range of sports activities, events, visits and clubs. Leaders plan such opportunities to enrich the school's curriculum. Pupils in the gardening club are excited to be entering their vegetable box into the Great Yorkshire Show this year. Pupils also say that they enjoy singing in the 'Young Voices Concert' and playing in the school orchestra.

What the school should improve

• There are some inconsistencies in staff expertise to deliver phonics. As a result, some pupils in the earliest stages of reading are not competent at blending letter sounds to read a word. Leaders are in the process of putting in place a more systematic approach to the teaching of phonics. Leaders should ensure that all adults are fully trained to teach this new programme.

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