Norton Road Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils' welfare and education are top priorities at this school. Pupils benefit from the school's nurturing approach. They trust adults to listen to them and value their opinions.

This develops a sense of belonging in pupils. New pupils receive a warm welcome, which helps them settle well. Relationships between pupils and staff are respectful and considerate.

Pupils feel safe and cared for.

Pupils contribute to the school through different leadership opportunities. These include being house captains, school councillors or prefects.

They develop their talents and interests through a variety of clubs, all chosen by the school council.Pupils feel empowe...red to help others in this caring community. They have a strong sense of fairness and equality.

They believe 'everyone has a right to be who they want to be'.

Leaders have steered the school through considerable changes, especially this academic year. As part of this, staff expect the best from and for their pupils.

Pupils rise to these expectations. They have high aspirations for their futures. Pupils know they need to work hard in lessons to achieve their ambitions, and they do.

Pupils' behaviour is calm and orderly. Lunchtimes are sociable. Pupils thrive in this inclusive and loving school.

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

The many recent changes have brought about a strong leadership team. Everyone, including governors, is united in their ambition for pupils and the school. Staff value the coaching and training they receive.

They feel very well supported by leaders, who are considerate of their well-being and workload.The school has taken decisive action to improve the curriculum. These improvements are most notable in early reading.

All staff have received effective training so they have the expertise to support pupils in learning to read. This ensures the phonics programme is delivered consistently well. Children in Reception learn sounds as soon as they start school.

They are confident in using these sounds to read and write words. Pupils build on this effectively in Year 1 and Year 2. They use the strategies they have learned to read books accurately and fluently.

Pupils continue to develop their reading skills as they move through the school. Effective systems are in place to check pupils' progress. When needed, pupils get additional help with reading quickly to help them catch up.

Pupils are enthusiastic about reading. There are a wide range of texts for pupils to choose from, including books from other cultures. Older pupils encourage younger ones to read.

They take on the role of 'reading doctors' and recommend books for them.There are well-planned curriculums in place for other subjects, such as mathematics and computing. These identify the important knowledge and skills pupils need to learn from the early years through to the end of Year 6.

In these subjects, teachers are well trained. Pupils learn effectively and achieve well. In a few subjects, teachers have not yet had enough time to fully understand all the content in the new curriculums.

They have not had the training and guidance so that they teach these consistently well. Consequently, pupils' achievement varies.Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are included in all aspects of school life.

The school identifies these pupils' needs accurately. Teachers are given detailed information about how best to support these pupils. However, some teachers do not use this to adapt learning tasks as carefully as needed.

Some staff lack the training needed to support pupils with SEND well. As a result, some pupils with SEND do not make as much progress as they could.The school has taken well-considered actions to support pupils' attendance.

It works closely with families to help them understand the importance of regular attendance. The school tailors its approach to individual circumstances. Its actions to improve attendance have positive results.

Staff support pupils to behave well. This starts with children in Reception. Staff support them to develop concentration and perseverance.

As a result, children have positive attitudes towards learning and playing. They know and follow the school routines. In Year 1 and beyond, pupils' eagerness for learning continues.

Pupils cooperate and help each other. They are polite and considerate. Everyone is proud to be part of this strong school community.

The school prioritises pupils' well-being. Pupils learn how to be healthy in mind and body, as well as how to stay safe. Pupils learn about different world faiths and cultures.

They understand the changes they will encounter as they grow and mature. This ensures they are ready for the next steps in their education.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• Some subject curriculums are newer than others. Teachers do not yet know the content of some of these new curriculums in sufficient detail. Teachers do not adapt learning precisely enough for all pupils.

As a result, pupils do not achieve as well as they might in these subjects. The school must ensure that teachers have the subject knowledge and skills they need to teach all subjects effectively. Some teachers do not adapt the curriculum well for pupils with SEND.

Some adults lack the skills and understanding to support pupils with SEND as needed. This affects how well some pupils with SEND learn and develop their independence. The school should ensure all staff receive support and training, so they can more effectively meet the needs of all pupils with SEND.