Newstead Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are incredibly proud of their school and rightly so. They thrive at this nurturing and caring school. There are mutually respectful relationships among pupils and staff.

Pupils feel safe and know that adults will help them if they have a worry or concern.

Pupils behave impeccably and treat each other with unwavering kindness and respect. They are incredibly polite and welcoming.

They talk with pride about their learning and the extraordinary experiences they have at this school. This includes the wide and varied educational visits available for pupils, including a range of residential opportunities and international visits. This helps develop resilienc...e and confidence.

Pupils also benefit from an extensive programme of after-school clubs that go beyond the expected, to enable pupils to develop their talents and interests. For example, pupils learn to horse ride, be young farmers or play golf, to name but a few activities available at these clubs. Pupils receive awards for participation, which encourages them to broaden their horizons.

The quality of education the pupils receive is exceptional. Pupils are curious and keen to learn. They progress extremely well through the curriculum and achieve highly in all aspects of their learning.

This means pupils are very well prepared for the next stage in their education.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

This is a school that is aspirational for all pupils. This is summed up by one child who said, 'Teachers don't have favourites.

They want us all to do well and be celebrated.'

Beginning in the early years, the school has meticulously designed an aspirational curriculum that goes beyond the core knowledge and skills that need to be taught. The curriculum helps pupils to make links between things they have learned.

For example, in history, pupils discuss articulately how historical events have shaped the fundamental British values of today. Pupils also talked excitedly about how they use the knowledge and skills learned in art lessons, to create a virtual gallery in computing lessons.

The strength in the school's curriculum design enables teachers to know precisely what pupils should learn, and how it connects to their previous knowledge.

Staff routinely check what pupils know and remember. High-quality training for staff is made a priority. This enables teachers to design consistently effective learning activities that help to deepen pupils' understanding of concepts.

The school has cultivated a love of reading in its pupils. Reading is front and centre in the curriculum. Staff deliver the phonics programme with precision.

Pupils regularly practise their reading using suitable texts that match their phonics knowledge. Staff regularly check the sounds that pupils know. Pupils keep up with their learning because of highly effective support that is put in place where needed.

This enables pupils to rapidly develop into confident and enthusiastic readers.

The school makes sure that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified quickly so that they receive the help they need to access the curriculum and thrive. Staff successfully adapt the delivery of the curriculum to meet the needs of pupils with SEND so that they progress through the curriculum exceptionally well.

Pupils' thirst for learning and exemplary behaviour begins in the early years. Children are taught the expectations as soon as they join the school. They listen attentively and engage in a wide range of activities that stimulate their learning, both independently and alongside their peers.

The depth and scope of the curriculum for personal development is exceptional. Staff carefully weave spiritual, moral, social and cultural development throughout all aspects of the curriculum. Staff go beyond the expected to provide pupils with a rich set of experiences.

The school develops the character and resilience of pupils through pupil leadership roles that enable them to make a tangible contribution to the life of the school. Pupils have a strong understanding of how to keep physically and mentally healthy. From the Nursery onwards, children learn about how to look after themselves as they grow older and make healthy choices.

Parents and carers are highly supportive of the school. The school has effective systems in place to support families to ensure their children attend school regularly and on time. One parent summed up the views of many others by saying, 'This is such a welcoming and happy place.

Amazing staff, fantastic opportunities, my child is thriving!'

Trustees and local governors have established robust systems and processes to ensure the school is providing the very best education for all pupils. The combined approach of the trust on the development of the curriculum has had a positive impact on staff workload and well-being.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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