Toner Avenue Primary School, located in Hebburn, Tyne and Wear, has been evaluated positively in its recent inspection, achieving an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on April 26 and 27, 2022, and highlighted several strengths within the school, particularly in the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision, all rated as good. However, personal development was noted as an area requiring improvement.
Pupils at Toner Avenue Primary School exhibit happiness and confidence, with strong relationships between staff and students contributing to a safe and welcoming environment. The school fosters a calm atmosphere where pupils feel comfortable making friends and expressing their concerns to any staff member. The consistent approach to behavior management has enabled most pupils to develop positive emotional regulation and excellent attitudes toward learning. Parents and carers express high satisfaction with the support their children receive, noting that staff go above and beyond to ensure students have the necessary tools for success.
The curriculum at Toner Avenue is well-structured and sequenced, with teachers demonstrating confidence and subject knowledge in delivering lessons. High expectations are set for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. In mathematics, a mastery approach is employed, allowing teachers to adapt lessons to meet individual needs effectively. However, in subjects other than reading and mathematics, there is a lack of consistent opportunities for pupils to revisit and reinforce prior learning, which can hinder their understanding of essential knowledge and vocabulary.
Reading is prioritized within the school, with a well-established phonics program and a central library area that offers a variety of high-quality texts. Pupils enjoy their roles as young librarians and appreciate the diverse selection of books available. While assessment is used to identify gaps in learning in reading and mathematics, it is not consistently applied to help pupils catch up quickly.
The special educational needs coordinator provides effective support for teachers, ensuring that the needs of all pupils with SEND are met. Strong partnerships with external professionals enhance the support available to staff and parents. The personal development program offers a range of learning opportunities, although some areas lack explicit teaching, particularly regarding fundamental British values and cultural diversity. Older pupils have expressed a desire for more career exploration opportunities.
In early years provision, the curriculum is well-sequenced, providing children with diverse learning experiences. The focus on high-quality texts promotes interest in reading and writing. However, some subject leaders have not identified the specific vocabulary necessary for children to transition smoothly into key stage one.
Despite significant improvements in the quality of education, persistent absence rates among pupils eligible for pupil premium funding remain high, indicating a need for further action. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that assessment information is used effectively to address learning gaps and that the early years curriculum aligns with the foundation subjects to support vocabulary development.
Overall, Toner Avenue Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering a positive learning environment and improving educational outcomes for its pupils. The leadership team is focused on continuous development, and the school community is engaged in supporting the learning journey of every child.
