Newby Primary School, located in Bradford, West Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection on the 21st and 22nd of November 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good across all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This reflects the school's commitment to providing a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
Pupils at Newby Primary School embody the school's values of kindness, confidence, and success. They express enjoyment in attending this nurturing school, where they feel safe and part of a community. The school fosters a culture of respect and understanding, encouraging pupils to appreciate differences among individuals. This is evident in their discussions about protected characteristics, which prepares them for life in modern Britain.
The school has established clear expectations for behaviour, with staff actively promoting positive conduct during lessons and social interactions. Pupils are recognized for their good behaviour, which reinforces a sense of pride and belonging. Leadership opportunities are available for older pupils, such as serving as lunchtime ambassadors, which helps them develop responsibility and leadership skills.
In terms of academic performance, the school has implemented a consistent approach to teaching reading, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to support pupils in their literacy development. Phonics lessons are engaging, and early readers receive timely interventions to help them progress. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, providing pupils with diverse opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills across various subjects, including art and design.
While the curriculum is generally effective, there are instances where teaching does not consistently assess pupils' retention of knowledge. This can lead to pupils advancing to new topics before fully grasping previous material. The school recognizes the importance of addressing this issue to ensure that all pupils are adequately prepared for subsequent learning.
The provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities has seen significant improvement. The school employs various strategies, such as visual prompts, to support these pupils in accessing the curriculum. Additionally, all pupils are taught Makaton, which enhances communication for those with specific needs.
Attendance is prioritized, with effective systems in place to encourage regular school attendance. The personal development curriculum is well-developed, offering a range of extracurricular activities that enrich pupils' experiences. Daily assemblies cover important themes, fostering a sense of community and understanding among pupils.
In early years, children benefit from a thoughtfully designed curriculum that prepares them for future learning stages. Activities are purposeful, promoting essential social skills such as sharing and cooperation. Leaders, including governors, are dedicated to maintaining strong community ties and ensuring that families are engaged in their children's education.
Staff at Newby Primary School feel valued and supported by leadership, contributing to a positive working environment. The school has established effective safeguarding arrangements, ensuring that pupils' welfare is a top priority.
To enhance its effectiveness further, the school needs to ensure that strategies for checking pupils' understanding are consistently applied. Additionally, some pupils miss out on important assembly messages that contribute to their broader development, highlighting the need for improved access to these learning opportunities. Overall, Newby Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
