Supporting every child to reach their potential

Work is under way to support children and their families across North Yorkshire to raise standards in education as major improvements at one school have demonstrated the impact that strong leadership and dedicated staff can have for pupils. 

There are 351 schools in total across North Yorkshire, including primary, secondary and pupil referral units. Almost 80,000 children and young people are educated in the county.

We are committed to ensuring all children and young people in the county are safe, healthy and living well. Through strong collaboration with school leaders, our ambition is to support all children and young people in North Yorkshire to maximise their potential through access to a high-quality and inclusive education.

We work closely with schools to raise standards, providing specialist advice, challenge and support designed to help every child and young person achieve their true potential.

The impact of this coordinated approach was reflected in a recent Ofsted inspection of Bedale High School. Inspectors praised the significant progress in achievement, attendance, behaviour and wellbeing which has been made under headteacher Chris Stokes and his staff.

Inspectors from Ofsted found that pupils are achieving well with standards rising quickly and gaps in learning closing. Inspectors recognised the strength of teaching, the school's ambitious curriculum and the high-quality support provided for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Another example of partnership working is how the school has been supported by our NYES catering service to enhance the overall lunchtime experience for pupils by introducing a food truck.

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The trailer, called “Café De Roche” in honour of their long-serving catering manager, Annette De Roche, was introduced in response to feedback from children calling for improved outdoor spaces and a wider range of lunchtime options.

Freshly prepared grab-and-go food is now being served and the initiative has proved popular with pupils as it has helped to reduce lunchtime queues outside the canteen.

Chris said:

“School improvement is about much more than exam results. It is about creating an environment where young people feel supported, valued and ready to learn.

"We have benefited from working closely with a range of specialist teams who understand the challenges schools face and who have helped us turn ideas into reality. From improvements to our learning environment through to enhancements in our catering offer, partnership working has played an important role in our wider development.

"The positive Ofsted outcome reflects the hard work of our staff and students, but also the strength of the relationships we have built with partners who share our ambition for young people.”

One of the biggest demands on our education services is providing support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Latest data has shown that the number of children and young people identified with SEND and education, health and care plans (EHCPs) in North Yorkshire has increased by more than 110% since 2016. The number continues to rise, with more than 6,500 pupils now supported through an EHCP.

Children and young people with SEND will be given earlier support, stronger inclusion and improved access to local services after the government approved a detailed plan for reform.

The Department for Education has backed the North Yorkshire Local Area Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Plan. The plan, which has been developed by the Local Area SEND Partnership, was informed by views from parents, carers and young people and schools, health and council services and is the response to the government’s national reforms.

It provides a clear programme of action reflecting the county’s needs, priorities and geography and recognises that improving support for children with SEND is a shared responsibility.