Shiremoor Primary School, located in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, was inspected on 29 and 30 November 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as behaviour and attitudes receiving an outstanding rating. The quality of education, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good. This inspection marked the first routine evaluation since the school was last inspected 15 years ago, when it was rated outstanding.
The school has high expectations for all pupils, encouraging them to consider their future careers, which motivates them to strive for their best. Pupils demonstrate exemplary behaviour, with positive learning habits instilled from their first days in Nursery. The school fosters a supportive environment where pupils feel safe and happy, contributing to a vibrant classroom atmosphere. The curriculum is rich and diverse, celebrating local heritage and providing educational visits that enhance learning experiences, such as trips to Lindisfarne to learn about the Anglo-Saxons.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, with clear objectives for each year group. Teachers effectively reinforce key knowledge and skills, ensuring that pupils retain their learning over time. Staff are well-trained in phonics instruction, and children in Reception are highly engaged and achieve well. However, some older pupils face challenges in transitioning to the key stage two curriculum due to gaps in their phonics knowledge, a situation attributed to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This has resulted in some pupils missing English lessons, widening the gap in their learning compared to peers.
Reading for pleasure is actively promoted, with a wide variety of books introduced to challenge students. In the early years, staff create an environment conducive to delivering an ambitious curriculum, although there are inconsistencies in language-rich activities, leading to varied language experiences among children. The school collaborates with external agencies to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the full curriculum and participate in school life.
Pupils take pride in their leadership roles and enjoy opportunities to perform and represent the school in various activities, including sports and music. The school emphasizes career education, with pupils visiting local employers to inspire their academic efforts. However, some pupils lack a clear understanding of fundamental British values and protected characteristics, indicating a need for further development in this area.
The school maintains high standards of behaviour, with pupils being courteous and polite. Attendance rates are high, reflecting the positive school environment. The school actively engages parents and carers through workshops and after-school activities, fostering strong home-school relationships. The governing body and school leaders are committed to continuous improvement, ensuring staff receive regular training and support.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To improve, the school should focus on enhancing phonics strategies to help key stage two pupils catch up and ensure that all pupils develop a comprehensive understanding of British values and protected characteristics. Additionally, the school should work towards providing consistent, language-rich learning opportunities in early years classes to ensure all children benefit equally from high-quality interactions.
