The Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 14 October 2026 to discuss Ofsted inspection reports for two local primary schools, Beverley Grammar School and Aldbrough Primary School. The committee also reviewed overall Ofsted outcomes for East Riding schools, discussed the work of the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE), and considered the work programme for the upcoming year.

Beverley Grammar School Ofsted Report

The Sub-Committee received and discussed the Ofsted report for Beverley Grammar School, presented by Headteacher Gavin Chappell. The report indicated that while the school met safeguarding standards and demonstrated strong performance in attendance, behaviour, inclusion, and personal development, its achievement was rated as an expected standard. The inspection framework had been updated, with a new emphasis on seven criteria, which the school found to be a high bar.

Key discussion points included:

• Disadvantaged Pupils: The school was noted to have disadvantaged pupils performing higher than the national average, with efforts focused on improving attendance and closing the attainment gap.
• Ofsted Framework: The new Ofsted framework was discussed, with the report acknowledging that the school's identified areas for improvement aligned with its own forward plan.
• Single Academy Trust: The school's current status as a single academy trust was discussed, with the Headteacher acknowledging the eventual likelihood of joining a multi-academy trust.
• SEND Pupils: Pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) were reported to be performing well, with specific support structures in place.
• Attendance: The school's attendance strategy was shared, with recognition that improving attendance ultimately rests with families.
• Teaching Staff: The report highlighted low staff turnover and high workloads, with staff being given autonomy and support.

The Sub-Committee agreed to congratulate the school on its Ofsted judgement and agreed to visit the school.

Aldbrough Primary School Ofsted Report

The Sub-Committee also reviewed the Ofsted report for Aldbrough Primary School, presented by Headteacher Zee Harrison and Deputy Headteacher Joe Brown. The report highlighted the dedication of staff and governors, a strong partnership with parents, and a good sense of community. The school's early years provision was rated as a strong standard, with children receiving a good start and a well-developed curriculum.

Key discussion points included:

• Small School Context: Despite being a small school, it received strong support from the local authority and community. However, the Headteacher also had to teach part-time and act as SENCO, highlighting resource constraints.
• Curriculum Consistency: Ofsted identified a need for improvement in history and geography due to a lack of sticky knowledge¹, with additional training required for Teaching Assistants.
• Music Provision: Music was highlighted as a strength, with the school participating in the Battle of the Bands and receiving a highly commended award.

The Sub-Committee agreed to congratulate Aldbrough Primary School on its Ofsted judgement.

The Summer 2026 Batch of Ofsted School Inspection Reports

Emma Hobbs, Head of School Effectiveness, presented an overview of Ofsted reports for schools inspected in Spring 2026. The Sub-Committee was asked to identify which schools they wished to invite to future meetings to discuss their reports.

The Sub-Committee agreed to invite Headlands School and Cottingham High School to the next Ofsted meeting of the Sub-Committee.

Ofsted Outcomes for East Riding Schools

A report from the Executive Director of Children, Families and Schools, presented by Emma Hobbs, Head of School Effectiveness, provided an overview of Ofsted outcomes for schools across the East Riding. It was noted that Ofsted was still adapting to its new framework, and that the combined judgement of attendance and behaviour was impacting school outcomes. The report also highlighted positive outcomes in inclusion, though these were not always reflected in overall judgements.

Chris Bullough, a Co-opted Member, commented on the widespread concerns regarding the new Ofsted framework from teaching unions and senior leaders, suggesting potential changes to the framework in the near future. Merlin Joseph, Executive Director for Children, Families and Schools, confirmed that a review of Ofsted inspections was underway, with a national consultation expected.

The Sub-Committee agreed to note the Ofsted outcomes for East Riding Schools.

East Riding Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE)

The Sub-Committee received a report on the work of the East Riding Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE), presented by Improvement Advisers Lucy Jordan and Jo Ledingham. Ian Sugarman, Chair of SACRE, was also in attendance.

Key points discussed included:

• National Curriculum Changes: The Secretary of State had announced a consultation on the inclusion of Religious Education in the national curriculum, which had been delayed. SACRE was continuing to review the Locally Agreed Religious Education syllabus.
• Quality Mark: Funding secured in 2025 had enabled fourteen schools to work towards a national quality standard for RE teaching.
• Promoting Religion and World Views: SACRE was exploring ways to promote Religion and World Views and was offering small grants to schools to facilitate visits to places of worship and bring faith members into schools.
• Training: SACRE was providing free training to schools on various aspects of RE, including Christianity and Islam, as well as training for new RE subject leaders.
• Secondary Schools: Concerns were raised about the lack of appropriately trained secondary RE teachers and the adherence to the legal requirement for secondary schools to teach RE up to the age of eighteen.

The Sub-Committee agreed to note and thank SACRE for its developments, support the review of the locally agreed syllabus, and support SACRE in its work with school leaders and academy trusts. They also expressed gratitude to Lucy Jordan and welcomed Jo Ledingham.

Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee Work Programme 2026/27 and Forward Plan of Key Decisions

There were no updates provided for the Sub-Committee's work programme or the Forward Plan of Key Decisions.