Lemington Riverside Primary School, located in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 27 and 28, 2022. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils express happiness, feel safe, and enjoy learning. Students appreciate the supportive atmosphere, likening the school to a large family. The curriculum emphasizes values that promote collaboration, resilience, and ambition, encouraging pupils to take on roles such as ambassadors and monitors, which helps them understand their responsibilities as role models.
Pupils engage enthusiastically in educational outings and clubs, with memorable experiences such as a residential trip that enhanced their independence and teamwork skills. The school provides a variety of play equipment during break times, and students report that behavior is consistently good due to the high expectations set by school leaders. They feel that leaders are fair in their approach to rewards and consequences, and they trust adults to address any potential bullying swiftly.
Parents and carers hold the school in high regard, often describing it as caring, inspiring, and respectful. The senior leadership team is committed to delivering a high-quality education for all pupils, regardless of their individual needs or abilities. The curriculum is designed to be creative and ambitious, grounded in educational research, and is well-structured across all subjects. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, effectively using assessment to understand pupils' strengths and areas for improvement.
The school excels in mathematics, where pupils build on prior knowledge to tackle new concepts. For instance, Year 6 students apply their understanding of measuring and fractions to solve complex problems. The mathematics leader collaborates closely with early years staff to ensure a solid foundation in mathematics for younger pupils. Additionally, pupils show enthusiasm for reading, with daily opportunities to practice their skills. The school matches reading materials to pupils' phonetic knowledge, fostering confidence in their reading abilities.
While the school promotes mutual respect and understanding of different faiths through religious education, there is a need for further development in teaching aspects of fundamental British values, particularly individual liberty and democracy. This gap in the curriculum means that some pupils lack knowledge in these areas. The governing body is aware of the school's strengths and provides support and challenge to the leadership team. However, the school development plan lacks clear objectives related to educational quality, which could hinder effective monitoring of curriculum development.
The safeguarding arrangements at Lemington Riverside Primary School are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding evident throughout the school. Leaders and staff are well-informed about the needs of the children and act in their best interests. The welfare officer collaborates with families to provide timely support, and staff receive high-quality training in safeguarding practices. Pupils are educated about risks, including online safety, and they feel secure in their environment.
To improve, the school should enhance its curriculum to ensure comprehensive coverage of individual liberty and democracy, enabling pupils to gain a well-rounded understanding of fundamental British values. Additionally, refining the school development plan will provide clearer guidance for governors to monitor educational quality effectively. Overall, Lemington Riverside Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
