Old Newton Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils, parents and carers, and staff are proud to be part of the Old Newton family.

The 'inspire, nurture and flourish' motto underpins everything that happens here. The school is a warm, welcoming and respectful community. Pupils are well cared for and supported.

This helps them to feel safe. Pupils enjoy coming to school to learn and be with their friends.

Staff have high expectations.

Many pupils behave very well. They understand the consequences of poor behaviour. Staff take any issues seriously.

They deal with any incidents effectively, so they do not reoccur.

Classrooms are busy learning environments. Pupils say that learning... is fun.

Most pupils achieve well, but some teaching does not always deepen pupils' understanding. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) achieve well from their various starting points.

Pupils relish the chance to take on roles and responsibilities.

Many are part of the three different school councils who organise various events. These include fundraising for charity, and foodbank collections. Pupils also enjoy a range of clubs, including dance and dodgeball.

Educational visits to places such as an air museum and animal sanctuaries enrich pupils' learning experiences.

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

The curriculum is ambitious for all groups of pupils. Leaders are reflective and continually refine their offer.

For example, pupils are benefiting from the recent improvements to the mathematics, reading and writing curriculum areas. The school has clearly identified what pupils need to learn and when they should learn it. However, some lessons are not adapted well enough.

They do not always ensure that pupils explore more complex knowledge and deepen their learning. As a result, some pupils do not always achieve as highly as they could.

The school quickly identifies any extra support that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) might require.

Staff work well with families and external agencies to ensure that appropriate adaptations are in place. Staff have received appropriate training. Consequently, pupils with SEND receive effective help.

Reading is at the heart of the curriculum. Highly effective teaching starts as soon as children start in the early years. In phonics, there is clear and systematic teaching, which is precisely matched to pupils' needs.

Those who need extra help quickly receive effective support. The school has developed a well-considered reading programme. This means all pupils read a range of texts by various authors.

As a result, pupils enjoy reading. They talk enthusiastically about the books they have read. Many pupils are confident and fluent readers by the time they leave.

Children in the Reception Year get off to a good start. They develop important knowledge and learning habits. Staff set clear expectations about learning and behaviour.

They put clear routines in place from the very beginning. Children work well independently or together in small groups. They form warm friendships and play happily together.

Staff provide a wide range of interesting and appropriate learning activities. Children have access to extensive resources and a stimulating environment. Staff prioritise developing children's talking, listening and explaining skills.

As a result, children are well prepared to enter Year 1.

Pupils behave well. Staff are consistent in their approach to reinforce the school's high expectations.

Respectful, positive relationships are evident. Consequently, pupils understand the boundaries and how good behaviour makes a difference to their learning. Pupils' attendance is high.

The school has made sure that attendance is a priority. Pupils want to be in school because they value their learning.

Pupils benefit from a well-considered personal development programme.

The school's values encourage pupils to have a real sense of moral responsibility. Pupils talk with pride about their community and supporting others. They learn about faiths and cultures that are different to their own.

As a result, pupils show strong social awareness in readiness for their roles as citizens in modern Britain.

The trust and school work together effectively to raise standards. Governors know the school well.

They visit frequently and talk with parents, pupils and staff. They challenge and support leaders effectively, holding them to account for their actions.

Staff value the support and advice they receive.

They say that leaders are considerate of their workload and well-being. The parents who shared their views during the inspection were overwhelmingly positive about the work of the school team.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• Occasionally, teachers do not always adapt their lessons to ensure all pupils can explore more detailed and complex knowledge. This means some pupils do not achieve as well as they could. The school should ensure all teachers have sufficient expertise to assess and adjust lessons, so they are well matched to the needs of all their learners.