Danby school community takes “great pride and joy” in latest Ofsted report

Danby CofE Primary School has cause to celebrate after a glowing OFSTED report following its most recent inspection.

Inspectors visited the school last month and ruled that for all the categories it judges on, all standards were ‘strongly met’, with one classed as ‘expected’.

After changes to the Ofsted system, the body now looks at attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance, personal development and wellbeing – all of which Danby was found to have ‘strongly met’.

Achievement was at an ‘expected’ standard,

The report went on to say, leaders at Danby C of E have established strong, positive relationships with parents and carers, which in turn, makes students enjoy coming to school and gives all who are involved in this school “a sense of belonging.”

The school’s 46 pupils are also “respectful to each other and to adults,” and pupils play together “harmoniously” at break and lunch times. Older pupils act as role models to others and support one another.

Reference was made to those in the school with special educational needs, with inspectors saying support is given so attendance is high.

Staff are proud to work at Danby C of E, noted the report, and feel well supported as their workload and well-being is considered in decision making. Staff also have access to high-quality programmes for professional development.

The only standard receiving ‘expected’ was the achievement standard. Despite this, all students, including those with additional needs, perform well in school, especially in reading and writing, lacking slightly in maths. However, leaders have made changes to the maths curriculum in order to combat that.

Recommendations given to Danby C of E would be to ensure changes to the maths curriculum lead to improvement in pupil achievements.

Liz Orland, headteacher said: “We are very appreciative of parents’  and community’s overwhelming support for our school and we continue to be very proud of our amazing school, staff and children. 

“We have always prided ourselves on being a caring and inclusive school family and it is lovely for everyone to have recognition of that.”

Whitby Town’s first community donation awarded to Whitby School for life-changing expedition

Whitby Town FC’s new community trust has made its first investment in the local community, providing £750 to help Whitby School students take part in a month long expedition to Cambodia.

The funding will support 23 students who are preparing to travel to Cambodia for a trip organised by Camps International. The trip faced uncertainty after changes to travel arrangements resulted in additional costs, placing the project at risk.

The donation follows a commitment made by the football club during its centenary dinner last month to reinvest funds into local causes through the charity arm of the club.

During the expedition, students will work alongside local communities on sustainable development projects aimed at improving facilities and supporting long-term schemes. The programme will also include cultural and educational visits designed to broaden participants’ understanding of Cambodia’s culture.

As part of the experience, students will complete a PADI diving qualification, helping them develop new skills and confidence while exploring the country’s marine environment.

Whitby Town representative, Graeme Hinchliffe, said the donation reflected the aims of the Community Trust.

He said: “At our Centenary Dinner, we made a commitment that the club would continue to strengthen its connection with the community by investing in local people and worthwhile causes.”

“We are delighted that the first contribution from the Whitby Town FC Community Trust will help these young people take part in what promises to be an incredible and life-changing experience.”

He added that supporting opportunities which help young people develop skills, broaden their horizons and make a positive impact was central to the Trust’s mission.

This donation marks the beginning of the Trust’s work to support projects across Whitby and the surrounding area, with the club wanting to create a lasting community legacy beyond football.

Whitby Anchor