East Rainton Primary School, located in Houghton le Spring, Tyne and Wear, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 14, 2023. The school plays a vital role in the local community, exemplified by the recent celebration of its 90th birthday, which brought together villagers in a show of support. The pupils actively engage in charity work, demonstrating their commitment to local causes, such as fundraising for a defibrillator for the village shop.
The leadership at East Rainton Primary School has developed a broad and well-structured curriculum that is effectively taught by experienced staff. This curriculum offers rich opportunities for pupils to enhance their skills in art, sports, and music, with over half of the students learning to play a musical instrument. The school also provides an extensive range of after-school activities that are well-attended by the pupils.
Behavior among the students is generally positive, with most enjoying their time at school and attending regularly. They express confidence in the staff's ability to address any instances of bullying, which are rare. The pupils demonstrate tolerance and understanding, recognizing the importance of inclusivity and the unacceptability of racism in modern society.
Parents appreciate the personalized attention their children receive from the staff, who are well-acquainted with the pupils. The school leaders ensure that appropriate support is provided for students, particularly those with medical needs or special educational needs and disabilities. Feedback from parents through Ofsted’s online survey has been overwhelmingly positive regarding the efforts of the school’s leaders and staff.
The school has made significant strides in strengthening its curriculum, clearly outlining learning expectations for pupils. Staff receive adequate resources and training, enabling them to plan effective lesson sequences. Teachers utilize assessment strategies effectively to identify and address gaps in pupils' learning, facilitating a solid understanding of the curriculum. Pupils are able to articulate their learning experiences confidently, particularly in mathematics, where they can connect previous knowledge to solve complex problems.
Efforts to foster a love of reading among pupils have been successful, with investments in new books and resources. Pupils take pride in their reading achievements, and older students can discuss their favorite books and authors with enthusiasm. Staff training in phonics instruction has improved reading outcomes, with well-matched reading materials supporting pupils' phonetic knowledge. However, there are instances where staff do not emphasize the rapid recall of letters and sounds, which can hinder some pupils' reading fluency.
The school is committed to meeting the needs of pupils with special educational needs from the outset of their educational journey. Transition processes are carefully managed to ensure staff are aware of individual needs before children enter the nursery. Plans are regularly reviewed to provide tailored support for these pupils.
Recent improvements to the indoor and outdoor environments in the early years have been effective, although some activities in the Reception Year do not fully support the intended curriculum. Leaders are actively working to enhance this aspect of early education.
While most pupils behave well in class, a few have been noted to occasionally distract others. The school has introduced a new behavior policy to encourage positive habits and reward points, which pupils find motivating. The curriculum also supports personal development, with pupils expressing a strong desire to help others through various initiatives.
Leaders and governors maintain a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They prioritize the well-being of staff and manage workloads effectively, which is appreciated by the team. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with appropriate checks and training in place to protect pupils. However, the school currently uses a mix of paper and electronic records for safeguarding, which poses a risk of information being lost or overlooked. Overall, East Rainton Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
