A school has bounced back from a 'Requires Improvement' Ofsted rating two years ago by wowing education inspectors during its most recent visit.

Ofsted inspectors have praised Colburn Community Primary School in North Yorkshire for being a ‘welcoming, happy and safe school that pupils are proud to attend.’

Inspectors observed that ‘Pupils are polite and demonstrate high levels of self-control’.

Colburn Community Primary School was rated ‘Requires Improvement’ at its previous Ofsted inspection in September 2022 but has now been assessed as ‘GOOD’ in Quality of Education, Behaviour & Attitudes, Personal Development and Leadership, signifying a rapid and considerable improvement over a short space of time.

Pupils at Colburn Community Primary School Pupils at Colburn Community Primary School (Image: Colburn Community Primary School) The latest Ofsted report also highlighted that pupils behave well due to consistent routines and the school’s focus on social and emotional development, as a result, pupils, ‘rightly say that bullying is very rare and are confident staff would deal with it effectively should it occur.’

In early years, inspectors stated that 'children are well cared for, and added that they benefit from a safe, spacious and supportive place to learn'. They highlighted that ‘staff take great care to ensure that children’s individual needs are met. Parents appreciate this caring start to school life.’

Over the last two years, the school has swiftly improved its reading offer, with rapid improvement being made in early reading and phonics, according to inspectors.

Colburn Community Primary School Colburn Community Primary School (Image: GOOGLE MAPS) The inspectors highlighted the way the school has prioritised reading since the previous inspection stating, ‘reading is at the core of the curriculum, staff teach reading well, they teach phonics in a consistently effective way,' added inspectors.

Ofsted inspectors also acknowledged a continued improvement with SEND provision.

They said, ‘The school ensures that teachers successfully adapt learning activities for pupils with SEND.

Inspectors also added: 'Parents and carers say that communication from the school is well-timed and effective. This helps pupils with SEND to learn well.'

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Following the inspection, the headteacher of the school, Yousef Abdo, said: “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the children and families whose support and dedication have been instrumental in our journey.”

“I am immensely proud of our staff whose efforts, professionalism, and passion for improving our school have made this achievement possible.”

Vikki Hughes, Chair of Governors at the school, added: “The governors are very proud of the dedication the team at Colburn Community Primary School show every day to improve the lives of the pupils in the school and this Ofsted report is a fantastic acknowledgement of the impact of this hard work.”