Barmston Village Primary School is a well-regarded institution located in Washington, Tyne and Wear. The recent inspection conducted on November 8 and 9, 2023, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school is recognized for its strong community ties, with pupils expressing enthusiasm for attending school and a keen desire to learn. Parents and carers have also voiced their positive experiences, highlighting the school's commitment to supporting families.
The school prioritizes the well-being of its students, fostering an environment where pupils are taught to express their feelings and manage their emotions from an early age. This nurturing approach helps build trust between pupils and teachers, allowing students to feel comfortable sharing any concerns. While most pupils exhibit good behaviour, there are instances of unkind remarks among peers. However, students are confident that staff will address these issues seriously and assist in resolving conflicts.
Barmston Village Primary School has implemented an ambitious curriculum aimed at helping pupils achieve their best. The curriculum is broad and rich, encouraging students to engage in various learning opportunities. Beyond the classroom, the school offers numerous enrichment activities, such as a popular gardening club and an environmental group known as the green goblins. The presence of a musician in residence further enhances the curriculum, allowing pupils to appreciate arts and culture.
The school effectively prepares pupils for the next stage of their education, with a strong emphasis on literacy that serves as a foundation for broader learning. Core subjects, particularly reading and basic mathematics, are taught well. However, school leaders acknowledge the need for further development in mathematics, particularly in enhancing pupils' problem-solving skills. Additionally, some subjects show that pupils struggle to recall their learning over time, indicating a need for more structured opportunities to revisit and reinforce knowledge.
Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, and pupils demonstrate enthusiasm for it. They can articulate their book choices and recall plots and characters effectively. The school uses appropriate texts to enrich other subjects, such as history and science. Phonics and early reading instruction are strong, with children in early years making significant progress in communication and language skills through engaging activities like singing.
The school is proactive in identifying pupils who may struggle with their learning, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff collaborate closely with external professionals to ensure timely support for these pupils, resulting in high attendance and engagement levels among them. The positive relationships between pupils and teachers contribute to a respectful and friendly atmosphere, although some students require additional support in managing their behaviour. The school effectively teaches emotional regulation, which helps pupils behave appropriately and be ready to learn.
Personal development is a notable strength of the school, driven by well-understood values among pupils. Early years education emphasizes cooperation and friendship, while older pupils receive effective instruction on tolerance and respect for diverse cultures and faiths. Initiatives like the
o outsiders programme help pupils understand the impacts of bullying and racism. The school also prioritizes online safety and healthy relationships, equipping pupils with the knowledge to keep themselves safe.
Governance at the school is strong, with governors demonstrating a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. They are well-informed, enabling them to make strategic decisions and challenge school leaders effectively. The emphasis on well-being for both pupils and staff is evident, and parents appreciate the collaborative efforts of school leaders. Staff report high job satisfaction, feeling valued and supported in their roles.
The safeguarding arrangements at Barmston Village Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school recognizes the need for improvement in certain areas. Specifically, some pupils struggle to recall key knowledge and concepts, which affects their readiness to learn new material. The school aims to implement strategies that encourage regular revisiting of learned content to enhance long-term memory retention. Additionally, there is a need to bolster confidence and fluency in mathematics, particularly in problem-solving, to ensure pupils can apply their knowledge effectively. Overall, Barmston Village Primary School is committed to continuous improvement and providing a high-quality education for its pupils.
