Northlands Primary School and Nursery

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders and governors are dedicated to providing a good-quality education for pupils. They ensure that pupils are exceptionally well cared for and make good progress across a range of subjects. The leadership of English is strong.

Leaders have an accurate understanding of the strengths and weaknesses in this subject. Children get off to a 'flying start' in the nursery classes. Their curriculum is interesting and effectively organised.

Children are happy and make good progress from their starting points. Children's achievement is improving by the end of the Reception Year. Year on year, more children are developing their reading, writing a...nd mathematical skills.

Children are appropriately prepared for Year 1. Leaders provide exceptionally well for pupils' personal and social development. This aspect of the school's work is exemplary.

Teachers use their subject knowledge skilfully when teaching writing. As a result, pupils make good progress and develop their skills well. By the end of key stage 2, pupils produce high-quality work.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are exceptionally well cared for. Adults provide effectively for pupils with more complex needs through the recently introduced specialist provision. Leaders and governors make careful and thoughtful use of additional funds, such as pupil premium and sports funding, to support the progress that pupils make.

Pupils' attainment by the end of key stage 2 is rising year on year. In 2018, the proportion of pupils who reached the required standards in reading, writing and mathematics combined was above the national average. Pupils in key stage 1 are not making as much progress as they should, especially in mathematics.

Leaders have firm plans in place to change the curriculum. Not enough pupils consistently reach the higher standards at the end of key stages. Pupils conduct themselves suitably in class and around the school.

They get on well together and have good relationships with adults. Pupils' attendance is below the national average. Too many pupils are persistently absent.

Leaders are addressing this issue diligently.

Information about this school

This is a larger than average primary school. The school also provides pre-school provision in a separate building.

The school is part of Lee Chapel Multi Academy Trust. It joined the trust in September 2016. The proportion of pupils who are disadvantaged is in the top 20% of schools nationally.

Over 45% of pupils are eligible for free school meals. The proportion of pupils with SEND is higher than the national average, as is the number of pupils with an EHC plan. The proportion of pupils who have English as an additional language is below the national average.