Errington Primary School in Marske has been judged to remain a ‘good’ school by Ofsted following their visit on 29-30th March 2023. The school was last inspected in 2016 and converted to an academy, joining Tees Valley Collaborative Trust, in 2018.
Value the individual
Mrs Sarah Rule, the Head Teacher, has been in post for eighteen months. Since her arrival leaders have focused on improving the quality of the curriculum, which now goes beyond what is required, according to the report. Mrs Rule commented:
“I am overjoyed with the outcomes of the report as I feel it has a true flavour of who we are and what we aspire to be. We value the individual and aim to provide a rich and child centred approach for each child within our school. Our creative, inquisitive minds are there to be nurtured, inspired, and encouraged to question the world around them. Developing the kindest of hearts and children who consider others will always be at our heart and I feel that was reflected in the report.
We are clear about our next steps, and we will endeavour to build upon these. I would like to thank my staff team who are a true inspiration to our pupils, for their relentless efforts to give each child the absolute best – and to the parents and families – we are a close community of individuals who support one another to bring out the best in all – thank you.”
The Ofsted report praised several aspects of the school including the “warm and welcoming environment for pupils” and the “wide range of enrichment opportunities” which leaders use to “encourage pupils’ curiosity.”
Be Kind, Be Ready, Be Curious
The report makes clear that “behaviour is of a high standard” and quotes one pupil who said they enjoyed school because “everyone is kind, caring and generous.”
The school’s motto “Be Kind, Be Ready, Be Curious” is subscribed to by all staff and pupils. The school operates a 30 hours offer in its nursery where, the report states, “children make a positive start to their time at school”.
Teachers are effective in adapting their teaching to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. This includes the school’s support base, known as Haven, where staff provide “bespoke support” and have a “clear understanding” of pupils’ needs.
The report confirms that “leaders place the development of the whole child at the centre of the school’s culture.” Some pupils are trained to provide mental health support, others act as ‘eco warriors’ and are “rightly proud of their roles.”
Governance
The report states that “governors are ambitious for the on-going development of the school.” Chair of Governors, Anthony Senior, commented:
“Following a difficult period over the last couple of years, the school is now going from strength to strength. That fact is recognised by Ofsted in their recent report. We will continue to build on these firm foundations and work towards an outstanding school. My thanks and those of the governing body go to the Head Teacher Mrs Rule for her professionalism and perseverance and all the staff at the school and within Tees Valley Collaborative Trust who made it happen.”
In addition, the report says that “leaders benefit from the challenge and support of the multi- academy trust.” Tees Valley Collaborative Trust’s CEO, Joanna Bailey, commented:
“It is extremely gratifying that the strengths of Errington Primary School have been recognised in this way. Errington occupies an important place in our diverse and unique multi-academy trust, and we look forward to further primary schools joining TVCT in the near future. I congratulate the staff and pupils for all that they do to make Errington such a special place.”
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East said:
“Congratulations to Errington Primary for their wonderful Ofsted result. We know how much effort goes into ensuring students have the best possible outcomes and the report reflects how well staff support their students.”
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