Whitkirk Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 March 2023

This is a welcoming school. Leaders and staff hold what is best for pupils at the centre of everything they do. Pupils and parents and carers overwhelmingly agree that 'The Whitkirk Way' is both friendly and inclusive. Staff create a happy environment where pupils feel safe and want to learn. Leaders ensure that pupils understand uniqueness and celebrate difference. Pupils engage well with their peers from the on-site special school during their shared breaktimes. Staff build an inclusive culture where pupils are respectful of the rights of others. Adults have high expectations of pupils' behaviour. From early years onwards, children are taught to have self-control. Where pupils struggle with behaviour, teachers make adaptations to help them to be successful. Bullying is not tolerated. Pupils work together to repair any harm caused to others as a result of their actions. Behaviour is highly positive both in and out of lessons. Break- and lunchtimes are an enjoyable experience where all pupils engage in meaningful activities. In lessons, they work with resilience in a calm and focused learning environment. Leaders have implemented an ambitious curriculum. Pupils begin by understanding themselves and their locality. Links across subjects aim to connect long-term knowledge.

What the school should improve

• The curriculum is less securely embedded in some foundation subjects than in others. This means that pupils have not yet built a cumulatively sufficient depth of knowledge for future learning. Leaders should continue to ensure that all foundation subjects are consistently implemented across school, so that pupils connect their knowledge over time, using and applying it in deeper and more complex ways.

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