Percy Main Primary School, located in North Shields, Tyne and Wear, underwent an inspection on 8 and 9 March 2022, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has demonstrated a commitment to fostering a positive learning environment where pupils feel proud of their values, which emphasize being ready, respectful, and safe. Staff expectations are clear, encouraging students to work hard and respect one another. The school has established a culture of positive behavior, with staff consistently promoting safe and acceptable conduct. Pupils report feeling safe and acknowledge that bullying is not a prevalent issue currently, although it was a concern in the past.
The school environment is characterized by orderly movement and respectful interactions among pupils. Many students benefit from a nurture curriculum that aids in understanding their emotional and behavioral needs, contributing to the development of self-regulation skills. Pupils take pride in their responsibilities, such as being behavior champions and assisting in physical education lessons. Parental feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the friendly and caring staff who prioritize their children's education.
Despite facing challenges in the past, including staffing and leadership changes, the school has stabilized and improved under effective local authority support. The curriculum is ambitious and designed to cater to all pupils, with a focus on fostering independent and reflective learners. Subject leaders work collaboratively to ensure that the curriculum builds on prior knowledge, allowing pupils to revisit and deepen their understanding of various subjects.
In early years provision, children are provided with a creative learning environment that supports their development in communication, language, literacy, and mathematics. High-quality story sessions foster a love of reading, and positive relationships between adults and children enhance self-confidence and self-esteem. The school prioritizes early reading and phonics, ensuring that all staff are trained in consistent teaching methods. However, variability in teaching letter formation has been identified as an area for improvement, as it affects some pupils' writing fluency.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is effective, with tailored support plans enabling teachers to adapt lessons accordingly. Leaders and staff engage in high-quality training to enhance their subject knowledge, particularly in mathematics and English. The school promotes character development through a comprehensive personal, social, and health education curriculum, ensuring pupils understand personal differences and the importance of healthy relationships.
While most pupils attend regularly and arrive on time, a small number arrive after lessons have begun, resulting in missed learning opportunities. The governing body, composed of new members with diverse skills, provides effective support and challenge to school leaders. Staff have noted improvements in workload management due to recent changes implemented by leadership.
The safeguarding arrangements at Percy Main Primary School are effective, with all staff trained to prioritize child safety. The designated safeguarding leader and deputy leaders are proactive in addressing any concerns, collaborating with external agencies to ensure pupil safety. The curriculum equips pupils with knowledge about potential risks, including online safety.
To further enhance the school's effectiveness, leaders should ensure consistency in teaching letter formation to improve writing fluency and continue working with parents to address punctuality issues. Overall, Percy Main Primary School has made significant strides in providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
