Colegate Community Primary School is located in Gateshead and serves children aged three to eleven. The school has recently undergone significant changes in leadership and staffing, which have contributed to a period of instability. Despite these challenges, the headteacher has worked to create a stable environment where staff feel supported and enjoy working. The school has a positive atmosphere, with pupils expressing happiness in their learning and social interactions. The school’s values of respect, enjoyment, achievement, cooperation, and honesty are well understood by the students, guiding their behavior and choices.
The school has been rated as requiring improvement overall, with specific areas such as the quality of education, leadership, and early years provision also marked as needing improvement. However, behavior and personal development have been rated as good. The curriculum has recently been revised, with new plans aimed at helping pupils learn and retain essential knowledge. Nonetheless, there are concerns regarding the implementation of the curriculum in certain subjects, particularly mathematics, where the learning design does not consistently support pupils in remembering key concepts.
Pupils at Colegate Community Primary School benefit from a range of extracurricular activities, including annual events like the Dance Festival and various clubs and visits that enhance their learning experience. These activities contribute to the development of important personal qualities such as respect and resilience. The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive the support they need to access the curriculum effectively.
In the early years, staff focus on building supportive relationships and establishing clear routines. Communication and language development are prioritized, although the curriculum for subjects beyond early reading lacks strong connections to the foundational knowledge needed for later stages. The school promotes healthy lifestyles and works closely with parents to address any issues that may affect attendance.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff receiving regular training to identify and respond to potential risks. The school has established thorough policies and procedures, ensuring that pupils are aware of safeguarding risks, including online safety. Recruitment checks are conducted rigorously, and governors are engaged in maintaining a clear vision for the school.
Despite the positive aspects, the school faces challenges in curriculum implementation and assessment. Many subjects are still in the early stages of development, leading to gaps in pupils' knowledge and understanding. Leaders need to ensure that the curriculum is consistently delivered and that assessment practices effectively inform teaching and learning. Governors are encouraged to adopt a more rigorous approach to evaluating the school’s performance and to challenge leaders on the progress being made.
Overall, while Colegate Community Primary School has a supportive environment and positive relationships, it must address the identified areas for improvement to enhance the quality of education and ensure that all pupils achieve their potential. The commitment to ongoing development and the support from staff and governors will be crucial in driving the necessary changes.
