Amberley Primary School, located in Killingworth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 14 and 15, 2024. The school fosters an environment where pupils thrive, characterized by kindness, politeness, and a welcoming atmosphere. Students develop positive relationships with their peers and adults, contributing to a safe and enjoyable learning environment. The school maintains high expectations for pupil achievement and offers a rigorous curriculum that effectively prepares students for their future educational endeavors.
Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards their education, demonstrating good behavior both in lessons and during playtime. They are considerate of others and actively engage in their learning. Leadership opportunities are available for students, with roles such as school councillors, sports leaders, and eco warriors, allowing them to contribute to school improvement and sustainability initiatives. These experiences help pupils learn responsibility and prepare them to be engaged citizens in the future. The school’s values of nurturing, innovation, and aspiration are evident in the daily activities of both pupils and staff.
The curriculum at Amberley Primary School is well-structured and ambitious, beginning in the early years and continuing through to key stage one. The school prioritizes professional development for its staff, ensuring that teaching practices are informed by the latest educational research. Lessons are designed to reinforce important knowledge, with regular opportunities for pupils to revisit previously learned material. The school also emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, such as inviting local historians to engage with students during history topics. Teachers monitor pupil progress closely, providing support to those who may be falling behind, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Reading is a key focus at Amberley Primary School, with a strong emphasis on promoting books and fostering a love for reading among pupils. The school has created a cozy reading space known as the reading shack, where students can enjoy and share their favorite books. Early readers receive daily phonics lessons to develop their reading skills, although there are inconsistencies in the application of these techniques during reading sessions with adults. This inconsistency can hinder the development of reading fluency for some pupils, indicating an area for improvement.
The mathematics curriculum is highly effective, building a solid foundation from the early years. Mathematics lessons are well-organized, allowing pupils to regularly revisit key concepts and apply their existing knowledge to solve problems. The early years environment is thoughtfully designed to support children's learning, with strong routines and positive relationships established between children and adults.
Pupils exhibit good behavior and positive attitudes towards their education, with the school actively promoting regular attendance. The personal, social, and health education curriculum prepares pupils to be healthy, happy, and responsible global citizens. The school fosters inclusivity and tolerance, welcoming new pupils and visitors warmly.
Amberley Primary School offers a broad range of extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to explore their interests and talents. Learning opportunities extend beyond the classroom, with unique contexts such as the invention shed and outdoor learning areas enhancing the educational experience.
Governors play an active role in supporting the school and holding leaders accountable for maintaining high standards. Parents express positive feedback regarding the education and support their children receive, and staff appreciate the attention given to their workload and well-being.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, to enhance the quality of education further, the school must ensure that all staff consistently implement the phonics scheme and that early reading materials align with the sounds pupils have learned. This will help improve fluency in reading for all students.
Overall, Amberley Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong commitment to pupil development and well-being. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address areas for improvement to further enhance the educational experience for its pupils.
