‘Special place to learn and grow’: Sunderland primary school celebrates latest Ofsted report

Newbottle Primary Academy, in Houghton-le-Spring, received “expected standard” in achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing.

Inspectors began by commenting on how pupils at this academy “enjoy coming to school”, “feel safe” and that “the relationships between staff and pupils are caring and respectful".

The report states: “Pupils achieve well and are well prepared for their next stage in education.

"Pupils learn from a curriculum that is well considered and ambitious.

"Pupils are attentive and engaged in lessons.

"Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and other barriers to their learning are included well in day-to-day school life and learn alongside their peers.

"Staff understand their needs well and pupils benefit from the support they receive.”

The report did give this academy three areas to improve on, including continuing to strengthen the school’s personal development programme and addressing gaps in pupils’ foundational reading and writing skills.

The report adds: “Leaders should continue to strengthen their work to monitor the systems in place to reduce barriers to learning, ensuring this is done with increasing rigour so that support strategies are skilfully introduced or adjusted.”

Claire Shield, headteacher, said: “We are incredibly proud that it recognises what makes Newbottle Primary Academy such a special place to learn and grow.

“The report highlights our pupils’ love of learning, their sense of safety and belonging and the care and support they receive from our dedicated staff.

"Inspectors recognised our welcoming and inclusive culture, the strong partnerships we have with families, the wide range of opportunities available to pupils and the positive impact of our work on children's learning, wellbeing and personal development.

"This achievement is a celebration of our whole school community and everything we accomplish together.

"We would like to thank our pupils, staff, parents, carers and the wider community for their continued support, encouragement and commitment to Newbottle Primary Academy.

"We are proud of all that we have achieved and look forward to building on this success in the future.”