Yanwath Primary is celebrating being rated Good by Ofsted inspectors.

After a two-day appraisal earlier this month, inspectors said leaders at the school expect all pupils to ‘be the best they can be’ and, as a result, pupils achieve well, especially in reading.

It is the fourth CET primary to be graded Good on its first inspection after joining the trust.

Inspectors who visited the 169-pupil school found:

  • Pupils are safe, happy and enjoy learning.
  • Teachers motivate children to succeed.
  • Pupils’ positive attitudes to learning contribute further to their success.

Inspectors highlighted curriculum development at the school as a strength.

Their report said: “Leaders and governors ensure that all pupils access an exciting and ambitious curriculum. It is designed to enable pupils to develop a wide range of relevant knowledge.”

Inspectors went on to praise the school’s efforts to embrace its natural environment with a curriculum ‘tailored to capture pupils’ interest in the local area and beyond’ and adding ‘pupils benefit from taking part in adventurous activities in the school’s outdoor area or nearby lakes’.

School leaders and governors ensure that opportunities for pupils’ personal development are woven into the life of the school. Pupils spoke with enthusiasm about wild swimming and other survival activities they have experienced. Inspectors noted ‘pupils appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of their locality’ and the children spoke about having ‘something exciting to look forward to each day’.

Children settle quickly into early years with staff getting to know them and finding out their interests. Children begin learning to read as soon as they are in the Reception year, successfully building on what they have learned through the songs and rhymes they shared during Nursery class.

Headteacher Cate Floyd said the Good judgement was testament to the way the whole school had worked together to create the right environment for learning and progress.

Mrs Floyd said: “The whole of the school community at Yanwath should be very proud of what’s in the report. It highlights some of the key elements that make this a very supportive and ambitious environment where the children are encouraged and challenged to give of their best.”

Chris Wilkins, CET’s Director of Primary Education, added: “Staff at the school, supported by colleagues across the trust, have worked incredibly hard during the challenges of the pandemic. As this report confirms, they have kept standards high and always remain motivated to do the absolute best for the children in their care.”