Milecastle Primary School, located in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 15-16 October 2019. The school provides a positive environment where pupils feel safe and enjoy attending. Instances of bullying are rare, and the school promotes values such as resilience, kindness, and honesty across all subjects. Pupils demonstrate their understanding of these values through their respectful behavior towards each other and adults, contributing to a supportive atmosphere. Staff maintain high expectations for all students, fostering motivation and engagement in learning.
Reading is a significant focus at Milecastle Primary School, with pupils expressing enthusiasm for books and reading activities. The school offers numerous opportunities for students to read and listen to stories throughout the day, supported by a diverse selection of high-quality books available in attractive reading areas within classrooms. Teachers effectively plan lessons that are engaging and relevant, often incorporating trips and visits to enhance learning experiences. This approach helps make learning memorable and connects students with local history, enriching their understanding of the subject matter.
Communication between staff and parents is strong, with teachers ensuring that parents are informed about how they can support their children's learning. The school has established a welcoming environment where staff are approachable, fostering positive relationships with families. The curriculum is broad and well-structured, allowing all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, to learn and retain essential knowledge. Leaders are committed to continuously improving the curriculum and ensuring that key vocabulary is clearly defined for each subject.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require attention. The teaching of early reading for some children does not commence quickly enough, and there are instances where assessment in key stage one does not effectively facilitate timely progression for pupils ready to advance. Leaders are working to embed a new curriculum and should ensure that subject-specific vocabulary is systematically planned and progressive across all subjects. Additionally, while improvements have been made in mathematics instruction, it is essential that all staff receive adequate training to implement new teaching methods effectively.
The school has established a consistent approach to behavior management, resulting in generally good behavior among pupils. There are few incidents of poor behavior, and the headteacher actively supports students with challenging behavior. Attendance is improving across all groups, aided by the headteacher's rigorous approach to addressing attendance issues. The special educational needs coordinator and leaders demonstrate a solid understanding of the needs of pupils with SEND, ensuring that effective support is provided.
Safeguarding arrangements at Milecastle Primary School are effective, with staff receiving regular training and being well-informed about child protection guidelines. The designated safeguarding leaders promptly address any concerns, ensuring that pupils receive the necessary support. Overall, Milecastle Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment, with a clear commitment to improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
