About our school
Here at Skidby CE Primary School we are proud of our children, our staff, our school and our community and strive to make a positive difference to each and every child through a challenging and engaging curriculum in a nurturing environment that values the diverse interests and talents of our pupils.
Our vision here at Skidby is that we are a Christian school, in a small community, making a big difference; a vision that was developed from the teachings found in Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, which told them to ‘encourage one another and build each other up’ (1 Thessalonians 5:11) and although we are a smaller than average school in a rural village, our pupils, past and present, bring a vast array of special gifts to share with our community.
Gifts that have helped our pupils become published authors, advocates for key environmental issues and talents to help them represent club and country in many differing sports such as archery, martial arts, golf and ice hockey to name a few.
So here at Skidby we have a hard working and dedicated staff team who work tirelessly to encourage your children and help them to build up their gifts and talents. One way we do this is by planning our curriculum to expose the children to many inspirational individuals as possible and offer them unique experiences such as adventurous residentials; supporting them to reach their full potential and become respectful, responsible and resilient members of the community.
Another way we look to meet our vision of making a big difference is through the strong community links we have developed over the years, using the expertise and resources found in our local area to build up our pupils and to make a big difference to those around us. Links include:
- St Michael’s Church with both the reverend and the wider church community supporting the school regularly with collective worship and open the book dramatisations of Bible stories, as well as supporting the delivery of high quality RE teaching.
- Hull FC sports coaches: Sam and his team at Hull FC have been an integral part of our school bringing expert coaching for the children, superb professional development for our staff team as well as wider opportunities to meet professional rugby league players, visits to their training facilities to experience the hard work and resilience required to play top flight sport and match day experiences that give the pupils the chance to represent our school at the MKM stadium.
- Charitable partners such as the Trussell trust and Age UK, giving the children the opportunity to make a big difference to others nearby, supporting those who are less fortunate then ourselves, helping to feed those who may be hungry and reaching out to those who may be alone, helping to bring a small amount of cheer with Christmas and Easter cards.
A child’s education develops through a strong partnership between school and home and we value the role that parental engagement plays in school life. Children bring home appropriate reading resources and we encourage all to enjoy listening to your child read as often as you can.
Further to this we have a range of online resources to support children to learn at home, such as; numbots for the younger children, times tables rockstars for the older ones and my maths online. We also have a tab on this website with some further links and resources you may wish to use. If you do have any questions or queries then one of the easiest ways to contact your class teacher initially is through their school email addresses and they will be more than happy to support you as all members of staff will value discussing any aspect of your child’s education and general welfare.
We have an aspiration for all our children that through their school journey they will fulfil their academic potential and become successful lifelong learners whilst developing in a nurturing Christian environment. In addition, we endeavour that our children will possess high levels of both social and emotional intelligence so that they are well placed to succeed and thrive in the future, becoming active and productive members of society.
Aspirations are high and all, including the most able, are challenged. Pupils take pride in their work and delight in seeing their efforts displayed around school.
Pupils attend school regularly. They are very happy in school and feel safe.
The breakfast club provides a healthy meal each morning for any pupil who wishes to attend.
Pupils behave well and have positive attitudes to learning. They respect and listen to one another and work well together.
Challenged by their learning, pupils are keen to seek justice and fairness for those in society. They talk about ‘how they find a problem and try to sort it out’.
The school’s distinctive Christian vision has brought clear focus and direction to ensure rapid progress as a Church school.
The school offers a range of opportunities for pupils to participate in a number of afterschool sports clubs and competitive events.
Parents are confident that their children are kept safe and are cared for well.
Safeguarding is effective and children’s welfare requirements are met. Staff are well trained and vigilant in ensuring that all children are safe.
Pupils challenge injustice and engage in meaningful social action projects beyond fundraising. This has a very positive impact on both their own lives and those of others.
The curriculum effectively provides time for reflection and spiritual growth.
High quality displays in all subjects, including RE, are a priority and enable pupils to see the progress they are making.
A Christian school in a small community, making a big difference.
Parents are positive about the school’s work and the education their children receive.
Pupils enjoy lessons because teaching is challenging them to learn more and achieve better.
Religious education (RE) is well led and taught across school. Pupils have an informed understanding of a range of faiths.
In phonics lessons, teachers take opportunities to explain that sounds can be made with different groups of letters. This helps pupils to read simple words.
Collective worship is a central part of daily life, it is invitational and inclusive.
Character development is at the heart of every learning experience.
Respect, responsibility, and resilience weave through school life.
Staff communicate with parents well. Parents are appreciative of the information they receive about how well their children are doing and what they are learning.
Younger pupils use punctuation and capital letters accurately, forming sentences with increasing complexity.
A culture of reading inspires a lifelong love for books.
The behaviour of pupils is good. Around the school, in the dining hall and on the playground, pupils are well behaved and courteous to each other and adults.
Pupils’ development as advocates for social justice is particularly strong and goes beyond regular fundraising.
In English, texts are carefully chosen to encourage reflection and understanding difference and diversity.
Leaders and staff are passionate in their drive to ensure every child at Skidby flourishes.
The teaching of writing is good. Teachers ensure that pupils learn to write in different styles and for different audiences.
Inspired by the Christian vision, collective worship is highly valued and central to the daily lives of pupils. It encourages pupils to reflect on, and live out the school’s Christian values in their own lives.
Teachers choose interesting texts to capture pupils’ imagination and support their learning.
Leaders ensure that all curriculum decisions have their vision and associated values of respect, resilience and responsibility at the forefront.
Pupils describe their own spirituality as ‘being themselves, thinking beyond themselves, caring for others, the wider world and beyond’.
The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is good.
Strong relationships with families and the community enrich school life.
Leaders are dedicated to make a difference to every pupil and staff member.
Pupils are proud of their achievements and embrace learning with enthusiasm.
Pupils make good progress in mathematics. In most classes, teachers plan meaningful and wide-ranging opportunities to solve problems, investigate mathematical ideas and develop mathematical reasoning.
Teaching, learning and assessment are good across the school.
Across year groups, pupils who are currently in the school are making good progress in reading, writing and mathematics.
Governors are very well informed and know their school well. They provide the right level of support and challenge.
Driven by their distinctly Christian vision, this school has been on a rapid journey of improvement as a Church school over recent years.
Throughout the school, pupils are polite, friendly and welcoming. They show respect, both to adults and to each other.
Pupils thrive in an inclusive and nurturing environment.
Pupils understand the conventions of different genres and demonstrate this in their own compositions.
The school’s family ethos creates a calm and welcoming atmosphere.
Pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe in a variety of situations, such as when using the internet.
Resilience is built through diverse opportunities and managed risks.
Purposeful and varied outdoor learning provides the opportunity for pupils to engage in the awe and wonder of the natural world.
Teaching assistants have a good understanding of their roles and provide effective support to the pupils they are working with.
Teachers successfully plan learning activities that meet the needs and interests of the range of ages and abilities in their classes.
Pupils rise to meet the ambitions of a broad and balanced curriculum.
From an early age there is a strong focus on developing curiosity, by asking questions and reflecting on responses.
Staff feel exceptionally supported and valued in their roles.
When working together, pupils show good levels of cooperation and help one another willingly. In lessons, they respond well to tasks they have been given and enjoy the work they do.