Ofsted inspected this Sunderland school and here's what they said
“It was a thorough process and reflects the school we know ourselves to be and we are happy to have come out as 'green' in all areas”
The words of South Hylton Primary Academy head teacher Christopher Mitchinson after the school was one of the first in the city to be inspected under the new Ofsted framework.
No one-word overall judgement is now given to schools with, instead, a traffic light report card given ranging from blue (exceptional), dark green (strong standard), light green (expected standard), amber (needs attention) to red which indicates urgent improvement is needed.
The traffic light system is applied to the key assessment areas of achievement, curriculum and teaching, attendance and behaviour, Early Years provision, personal development and well being, and inclusion.
The school’s leadership and governance is also graded with one of the five colours on the traffic light spectrum.
The school’s report deemed the expected standard to be met in all assessed areas.
Mr Mitchinson said: “We were one of the very first schools in the country to go through Ofsted’s renewed 'traffic light' inspection toolkit, which focuses much more closely on context, culture, inclusion, personal development and the lived experience of pupils, and sets a much higher standard than the previous framework.
“It was a thorough process and reflects the school we know ourselves to be and we are happy to have come out as 'green' in all areas.
“Overall, the inspection is a credit to the pupils, staff and wider community of South Hylton and reflects our shared ambition for the children we serve.”
Inspectors described how pupils “enjoy” their learning and build positive relationships with staff. Inspectors highlighted the “calm” learning environment and the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere at the school.
Lead inspector Richard Wakefield commended the school’s “ambitious, broad and balanced curriculum” and the progress made by pupils.
He said: “Leaders have an accurate understanding of the quality of teaching and the curriculum is well sequenced from the Early Years to the end of Year 6.
“Teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge and understanding of the curriculum. They check pupils’ understanding and address misconceptions.
“Pupils progress well through the curriculum from the Early Years to the end of Key Stage 2. Pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, typically achieve in line with the national averages in examinations.
“Pupils with barriers to learning, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive appropriate support to learn the curriculum well.”
The inspection team also highlighted the school’s comprehensive personal development programme and extra-curricula provision with a “wide range of clubs, curriculum trips and enrichment activities”.
The report highlighted pupils’ positive attitudes to learning and staff’s “high expectations” of children’s behaviour.
On the key area of attendance, Mr Wakefield added: “Leaders have implemented robust systems to monitor and improve attendance. They track attendance rigorously and intervene swiftly when concerns arise.
“Attendance data shows an improving trend, particularly in reducing persistent absence among disadvantaged pupils.”
Commenting of the reports key findings, Mr Mitchinson said: “We are particularly pleased that inspectors recognised South Hylton as an inclusive school where pupils “feel welcome and safe”, that bullying is described as “rare”, and that pupils benefit from positive relationships and a calm, respectful learning environment.
“The report also highlights our ambitious curriculum, strong early reading, welcoming early years offer, and the breadth of enrichment and experiences our pupils enjoy.
“The report reflects the strong relationships between staff and pupils, and the priority we place on pupils’ safety, wellbeing and character.
“It also shows the hard work that goes into ensuring children are well prepared for their next steps, both academically and personally.
“Like all good schools, we have clear improvement priorities. Handwriting and attendance were already areas we were working on prior to the inspection, and both remain a focus.”