According to a recent school inspection, this school ‘is a welcoming community where pastoral care is evident for all its members and inclusion and equal opportunities are priorities. Communication between home and school is good overall and at Foundation Stage outstanding. Parents and carers feel confident that any concerns they may have will be dealt with effectively and sensitively.’ Also, ‘there is a wealth of outstanding displays around the school.’
How does this happen? ‘The school’s leadership is deeply committed to the mission of the school and is a source of inspiration to the whole community.’
The Headteacher is ‘outstanding’ and the Deputy is ‘enthusiastic’ and ‘conscientious’ . There are ‘excellent self-evaluation systems and strategies in place (to) ensure that senior managers are fully aware of the schools strengths and weaknesses.’ ‘Leadership and management make an outstanding contribution to spiritual and moral development.’
And what of the children? ‘Pupils show respect for each other by taking turns to listen attentively to each other and to teachers and they focus well in partner, group oral work. Behaviour across the school is outstanding at all times and in all activities and as a result all teaching time is used to maximum effect.’ ‘They are quick to show concern for the well being of each other, especially the weak and vulnerable.’ In fact the children themselves quoted “relationships “as a strength of the school and qualified this by saying, “everyone shows respect for each other “.
Collective Worship is outstanding in its frequency, quality and breadth of vision. Prayer is central to the life of the school. Assemblies are vibrant and stimulating.
This is a school in which there is ‘a sense of ordered calm and hard work’ and within which ‘children demonstrate enthusiasm for further learning’. Also ‘provision for children with additional learning needs is outstanding.’
This is English Martyrs’ Primary School, York, where ‘there is always a waiting list of parents seeking a place when available.’ Is it any wonder?