The relationships between staff and pupils at Gillingstool are warm and encouraging. Pupils are confident, curious and respectful in lessons. They enjoy learning in the caring environment adults create. Pupils say the school has a positive atmosphere. They feel safe at school. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), attend a range of clubs and activities, including ‘Gillingstool Guardians’. Older pupils enjoy their responsibilities as buddies and to help pupils new to the school. They learn to be thoughtful and appreciate others. Staff have high expectations for pupils’ behaviour. They make sure all pupils know right from wrong and how to improve their behaviour. Bullying is rare and there is little disruption to learning. Pupils are confident that when they report a problem, staff deal with it quickly. Pupils play well together at playtimes and lunchtimes. Parents value the open access to staff before and after school. They praise the school’s work. Parents are positive about the caring staff and how well the school supports children to thrive emotionally and academically. One parent comment, typical of many is, ‘Gillingstool is going from strength to strength. I look forward to what next year brings’.