Benton Dene Primary School, located in Longbenton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has recently undergone an inspection on July 9 and 10, 2024, and has been rated as outstanding in all areas of assessment. The school has maintained this high standard since its last inspection in June 2012, when it was also rated outstanding. The school was exempt from routine inspections until November 2020 due to its previous outstanding status.
The school environment is described as welcoming and inspiring, where every individual is valued. Staff members set high expectations for both behavior and learning, fostering a culture of care and trust. This supportive atmosphere contributes to pupils feeling happy and safe, which in turn enables them to achieve exceptional academic results. Parents have expressed their satisfaction, noting that their children thrive due to the consistent approach to learning and pastoral care.
Benton Dene Primary School excels in providing support for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school has established a strong foundation for learning from early years through to Year 6, with pupils demonstrating a keen interest in their education and a strong work ethic. The behavior of pupils is exemplary, with younger children learning kindness and older pupils employing effective strategies in problem-solving.
The curriculum at Benton Dene is highly inspiring and has been revised post-pandemic to emphasize essential knowledge and vocabulary. It is structured to allow pupils to revisit important concepts, facilitating connections between prior and new learning. In the early years, children engage in practical counting activities, while older pupils tackle more complex mathematical concepts, building their knowledge progressively.
Teaching strategies employed at the school are highly effective, ensuring that all pupils, including those with SEND, can retain important curriculum content. Teachers provide clear explanations and make meaningful connections between subjects. For instance, Year 2 pupils in English write instructions related to historical topics, demonstrating their understanding of both the subject matter and instructional language.
Reading is a fundamental aspect of the curriculum, with pupils enjoying a diverse range of texts. The school promotes a love of reading through various initiatives, including termly book fairs. Phonics instruction is delivered by skilled staff, enabling children to develop strong reading skills from an early age. Those who struggle with phonics receive targeted support, allowing them to catch up quickly and read confidently.
The early years learning environment is both calm and stimulating, encouraging children to engage in independent play and work. They are immersed in a language- and number-rich setting, where they develop resilience and self-control while tackling challenging tasks. Pupils with SEND make exceptional progress, with the school actively seeking ways to overcome barriers to learning through expert support and tailored interventions.
The school’s commitment to enhancing pupils’ personal development is exceptional. The curriculum promotes understanding of different faiths, cultures, and diversity, preparing pupils for life in modern Britain. High attendance rates reflect pupils' enjoyment of school and the engaging curriculum. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including computing, yoga, and debating, which enrich the pupils' educational experience.
Leadership at Benton Dene is highly effective, with leaders providing expertise to support other schools in the local authority. Governors play a crucial role, offering support and challenge to school leaders. Staff members express overwhelming positivity about their work environment, appreciating the efforts made by leaders to reduce workload and foster innovation.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection team engaged with various stakeholders, including the headteacher, staff, and governors, to assess the school’s performance comprehensively. Overall, Benton Dene Primary School stands out as an exemplary institution, committed to providing high-quality education and support for all its pupils.
