A North Yorkshire primary school has been praised by inspectors as a happy place where friendships and learning flourish, all the way from nursery to the top class.
Ofsted has rated St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Malton as Outstanding for both Personal Development and Early Years provision and Good for Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes and Leadership and Management.
“St Mary’s is a caring, nurturing school, where happy children enjoy learning,” its report says. “Pupils’ attitudes towards learning are very positive. Their behaviour in class and during social times is calm and sensible. As a result, friendships and learning flourish.
“The school makes sure all pupils can access a wide and balanced curriculum. Staff and families have high ambitions for pupils, including for them to do well in school and to be caring, well-rounded members of the local community.”
Delighted headteacher Helen Davenport said the judgements are a huge achievement that reflects the dedication, care and hard work of every member of the St Mary’s staff team.
She said: “The inspectors saw what we all know and feel about St Mary’s – that it is a special place where children are happy, nurtured and excited to learn.
“At St Mary’s, we pride ourselves on putting the children at the heart of everything we do. Visitors often leave with a strong impression of both the children’s and staff’s enthusiasm, happiness, supportiveness and kindness.
“They recognise that the children truly enjoy being part of the St Mary’s community and we’re so pleased the report reflects this.”
Inspectors say children care about their community and enjoy supporting local causes, including collecting donations for Ryedale Food Bank and influencing traffic management near the school.
They said:
“Pupils are encouraged to express themselves in speech. They thoughtfully use words to share how they feel, talk about their work and discuss opinions.”
The school recently introduced a book vending machine to further encourage a love of reading, which the report says is “an integral part of everyday life”.
“The two school libraries are places that draw the pupils in and allow them to access a wide variety of high-quality fiction and non-fiction texts,” it says.
“Pupils benefit from an exceptional programme to enhance their personal development. The school develops pupils’ moral awareness and social skills through a carefully chosen range of activities, trips and clubs.
“Well-considered displays and carefully chosen texts encourage pupils to reflect upon important themes. The curriculum helps pupils to understand many of the important issues they will face in modern Britain.”
The inspectors also praised the contribution of governors and positive relationships with Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT), a family of 38 schools throughout North Yorkshire and Teesside.
They said:
“The governors, trustees and trust leaders work well together. They support and challenge each other, always putting the pupils’ interests first.”
Recent activities at St Mary’s include rock and pop lessons, den building, football sessions with a York City coach and even forming a mini police team.
Last month the school welcomed younger children into the newly expanded nursery for the first time and Mrs Davenport said she was especially pleased to see Early Years provision recognised for the outstanding opportunities it provides.
The report says:
“Children in the early years benefit from superb provision. Staff use the environment and resources very well to help children learn and develop. Children love to perform. For example, they enjoy playing outside on a stage and designing and building spaces for role play.”
Mrs Davenport said:
“It’s wonderful to see the inspectors recognise how our priority is to equip pupils in their personal development.
“This reflects our ongoing commitment to shaping confident, ambitious, caring members of our community, and how the school goes above and beyond in supporting our children’s wellbeing and character development.
“We’re incredibly proud of this outcome – and especially proud of our children, who shone so brightly during the inspection.
“Thank you to every member of the St Mary’s community staff, governors, trust colleagues and to our parents and carers for their continued support, encouragement and belief in our school.”
NPCAT assistant CEO Nicky Jamalizadeh said:
“We are so pleased for everyone at St Mary’s and warmly congratulate the entire school community on their outstanding achievements.”
St Mary’s, which is on Highfield Road, Malton, has 219 pupils aged from three to 11.
