Cragside Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

The inspirational leadership of the headteacher motivates all staff to give of their best for the benefit of the children. The headteacher's passion for learning has created an ethos of hard work and joy in learning which pervades the school. Children get off to a flying start in Reception because of the excellent provision made for their learning.

They quickly develop the skills and confidence to learn at a rapid rate. Pupils' performance in national tests at the end of Year 6 is significantly above the national average. While pupils' achievement in writing is very good, the school recognises there is scope for even higher achie...vement for some pupils.

Pupils make outstanding progress from their individual starting points, regardless of their ability or any barriers to their learning, including those pupils who speak English as an additional language. This is because they love learning and are eager to please their teachers. Teaching is outstanding.

All teachers and teaching assistants share the headteacher's vision to get the best for, and from, every child. They manage the different learning needs of their pupils very well and constantly check that each pupil is secure in their learning. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary.

They show consideration and respect for each other from the earliest age. They work hard in lessons because learning is so much fun. Younger pupils are extremely well cared for by older pupils, who readily take on these responsibilities.

Pupils say they feel safe in school. Excellent pastoral care from all staff creates a warm, safe environment where excellent relationships flourish. Pupils rightly sense that their interests are at the heart of the school's work.

The rich, diverse curriculum generates exciting, memorable opportunities for learning. Families particularly value the many opportunities they have to join in their children's learning through 'craft afternoons' and school visits. Excellent leadership at all levels has sustained the school's high performance since the previous inspection.

Governance is outstanding in its support and challenge for the school.

Information about this school

Cragside is much larger than the average-sized primary school. There is a below-average proportion of pupils who are supported by the pupil premium.

(The pupil premium is additional funding for those pupils known to be eligible for free school meals, children from service families and those children that are looked after by the local authority.) The proportion of pupils supported by school action is below average. The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is well-below average.

The majority of pupils is of White British heritage, and an above-average proportion speaks English as an additional language. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set minimum expectations for attainment and progress in English and mathematics by the end of Year 6. There is a before- and after-school club that is managed by the governing body.