Mill Lane Primary School in Stockton-on-Tees has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on May 4 and 5, 2023. The school is characterized by a welcoming environment where all pupils are cared for and encouraged to develop essential skills such as leadership, organization, resilience, initiative, and communication. The leadership team maintains high expectations for both behavior and academic achievement, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are supported effectively. Pupils express positive attitudes towards their learning and demonstrate a strong willingness to engage in their lessons.
The school provides a free breakfast program called Magic Breakfast, which fosters a sense of community among pupils. They are encouraged to look after one another, contributing to a respectful atmosphere throughout the school. Initiatives like Playground Friends help younger pupils feel safe and happy by encouraging them to explore new play equipment and games. The school educates pupils about various forms of bullying, promoting a strong sense of right and wrong, and ensuring that pupils feel confident in reporting any concerns. The curriculum emphasizes equality, fairness, and respect for cultural differences, preparing pupils to be responsible citizens.
Leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum for all pupils from Nursery to Year 6, clearly outlining the knowledge, skills, and vocabulary expected in each subject. Many pupils who join the school learn English as an additional language and may have gaps in their subject knowledge. The school effectively identifies the needs of these pupils, providing tailored support to help them progress. In most subjects, including mathematics, teachers design activities that build on prior knowledge, facilitating a smooth learning progression.
Reading is prioritized within the school, with staff trained to deliver a phonics program that supports all pupils, including those who are new to English. Children in Nursery engage with nursery rhymes and stories, laying a foundation for phonics lessons in Reception. However, some older pupils learning to read do not always have access to books that match their phonics knowledge, which can hinder their reading fluency and confidence.
The school has a strong focus on character development, helping pupils understand healthy relationships and manage their emotions. This support is particularly beneficial for pupils with special educational needs. The school fosters a sense of belonging among new pupils and celebrates diversity within its community. There are various extracurricular activities available, promoting physical health and well-being.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. In some foundation subjects, such as history, the activities set by teachers do not fully align with the ambitious curriculum content, which can affect pupil learning. Additionally, some pupils do not attend school regularly enough, impacting their educational experience. Leaders are actively working to address these issues by ensuring that learning activities are appropriately matched to curriculum aims and by implementing strategies to improve attendance.
Overall, Mill Lane Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all pupils. The leadership team is dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring that all pupils receive the education and support they need to thrive.
