Norton Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school A strong and determined leadership team, ably supported by governors and the trust, has secured considerable improvements in teaching and pupils' outcomes since the previous inspection. Leaders have strengthened the teaching of reading across the school. Pupils read regularly, demonstrating fluency and understanding.

They show a love of reading and enjoy regular visits to the new, well-resourced library. Skilled teaching assistants work effectively alongside teachers. Together, they make a strong contribution to pupils' learning and development.

Current pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, are making good progress in reading, writing a...nd mathematics from their individual starting points. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) also make good progress, because of the effective support they receive. Leaders have ensured that there is a consistent approach to teaching and learning.

Teachers use their secure subject knowledge to plan learning that sustains pupils' interests and challenges their thinking in reading, writing and mathematics. As a result, outcomes for pupils are good. The new leader of the early years has supported the team effectively to strengthen the quality of teaching in this key stage.

Middle leaders demonstrate good subject knowledge. They receive much support from senior leaders to undertake their roles. While their plans for improvement are appropriate, these are yet to be fully implemented.

Pupils experience a broad curriculum. However, in subjects such as science and geography, teachers do not use assessment information to plan activities that build upon what pupils already know and can do. Consequently, pupils do not make the same good rate of progress in these subjects as they do in English and mathematics.

Pupils make good progress in acquiring their mathematical skills and knowledge. However, they do not receive sufficient opportunities to apply these skills in other subjects. Pupils' behaviour is outstanding.

They are very proud of their school and cooperate extremely well with one another. Pupils are polite and courteous and have positive attitudes to learning. Adults are vigilant in ensuring the welfare and safety of pupils.

A strong safeguarding culture is evident.

Information about this school

The school is part of the Northern Education Trust. The trust board is accountable for the performance of schools within the trust.

The trust board delegates responsibilities to the school's academy council to provide support and challenge to school leaders. The school is larger than the average-sized primary school. The vast majority of pupils are of White British heritage and speak English as their first language.

The proportion of pupils who have SEND is above the national average, although the proportion of pupils who have an education, health and care plan is below the national average. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils known to be eligible for support through pupil premium funding is considerably higher than the national average. Just over half of pupils are supported by the pupil premium.

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