Newton Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Nearly all pupils show a positive attitude to learning and enjoy their time in school. They behave very well in lessons and at break times. Most pupils engage in activities readily and work with focus.

They collaborate thoughtfully with partners and work together well to meet the expectations set for them. As a result, most pupils make good progress in developing their knowledge and skills and apply this well to their learning across the curriculum. Nearly all pupils participate enthusiastically in the various enrichment opportunities the school provides.

Teachers provide an exciting variety of learning experiences that engage pupils' interest and sustain their motivation well. They set clear objectives for pupils' learnin...g and use effective teaching methods to build pupils' skills successfully. For example, the school's consistent approach to developing pupils' reading skills and their use of spoken Welsh impacts positively on pupils' progress and enjoyment.

However, the teaching of writing is less effective, and teachers do not always use feedback purposefully enough to help pupils develop their work fully. Learning support officers contribute very beneficially to the progress pupils make. Across the school, all adults attend carefully to the individual needs and well-being of pupils.

Leaders have high expectations of staff and set a clear strategic direction for the school. They show a good understanding of the school's strengths and identify suitable priorities for development through their monitoring activity. Staff share responsibility for improvement and make good use of professional learning to strengthen their own skills.

The school benefits from worthwhile partnerships with other schools to develop shared expertise and collaborate on changes such as the introduction of the new curriculum. Governors provide strong support for the school and ensure that leaders use resources efficiently. Recommendations R1 Improve the teaching of writing and increase the range of opportunities, particularly for older pupils, to apply their skills fully R2 Provide clear feedback to pupils that helps them to improve their work successfully R3 Provide suitable opportunities for all pupils to participate in acts of collective worship What happens next The school will draw up an action plan to address the recommendations from the inspection.