New Brancepeth Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a school that requires improvement Over time, teachers have not planned learning to meet the needs of pupils effectively.

While this is improving, and there is now some strong teaching, there remains some variability across the school. Consequently, pupils' progress across the curriculum, including in mathematics and writing, is not consistently good. Pupils' progress in reading has been too low for the last two years.

Changes to the teaching of reading are starting to bring improvements. However, a review of pupils' books shows that there remains variability in pupils' progress. The school has the following strengths Since her appointment, the executi...ve headteacher has accurately identified the school's priorities and set a clear course for improvement.

Staff and governors understand their roles in these developments. This is having a positive effect on current pupils' outcomes and personal development. The experienced and knowledgeable leader for early years provides insightful leadership.

As a result, children make strong progress from starting school. However, the quality of teaching in the outdoors is not as strong as that found in the classroom. Governors have a clear understanding of the schools' strengths and areas for development.

They hold senior and middle leaders to account effectively in most aspects. Their scrutiny of the physical education (PE) and sports funding is not as sharp. The subject leader for English has taken appropriate action to improve the quality of teaching of phonics and reading.

While overall this has had a positive effect, some of this work is not fully embedded. Pupils' personal development and welfare is a key strength of the school. The caring, inclusive ethos of the school ensures that pupils are safe and happy.

Pupils behave well in lessons and at playtimes and lunchtimes. They respond well to the school's reward systems, which they understand fully, and staff apply consistently. However, the overall attendance of pupils is below that in similar schools nationally.

Parents are positive about the school. They appreciate how staff are approachable and deal with any concerns they may have.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average-sized primary school.

The vast majority of pupils are White British. The proportion of pupils eligible for support through the pupil premium funding is above that found nationally. The proportion of pupils with SEND is above that found nationally.

The proportion of pupils with an education, health and care plan is similar to that found nationally. The school has provision for two-year-olds. The school has received support from the local authority to develop the quality of teaching and learning and leadership capacity.