Yew Tree Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 January 2023

Pupils wear their school uniform with pride. They enjoy learning and socialising with their friends. Pupils help to ensure that Yew Tree Primary Academy is a harmonious school, where pupils respect each other and staff. Staff have high expectations of pupils' behaviour and achievement. This helps to ensure that most pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those in the Designated Special Provision, achieve well in different areas of the curriculum. Children in the early years also learn well. Pupils are happy and safe at school. They have different ways of sharing their concerns with staff, including using the 'worry monster'. Pupils learn about cultural and religious diversity through different aspects of the curriculum. They know that discriminatory behaviour is wrong. If bullying happens, it is dealt with effectively by staff. Pupils appreciate British values, including the rule of law. They are active citizens, who enjoy helping others and raising funds for children's and cancer charities. Pupils enjoy visits to the theatre, art galleries, museums and a local safari park. They visit York and Chester as part of their studies in history. Pupils pursue their interest in dance, drama and different sports such as rugby, cricket and football.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of subjects, leaders have not precisely identified the knowledge and skills that they want pupils to acquire and exactly when they should be taught. This makes it more difficult for teachers to build up pupils' knowledge and to check whether pupils have understood and remembered their learning over time. Leaders should identify the key knowledge that they want pupils to acquire and when they want them to acquire it. This will help to ensure that teachers know what to teach and in what order and improve pupils' learning.
• Persistent absence is high. A significant core of pupils have missed long periods of education. As a result, their achievement and personal development are not as strong as they should be. Leaders should explore different ways to help pupils to attend school regularly.

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