Park End Primary School, located in Middlesbrough, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, receiving a Good rating in various areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, and leadership and management. The school has demonstrated outstanding performance in personal development and early years provision. The inspection conducted on November 23 and 24, 2022, highlighted the school's commitment to creating a safe and happy environment for its pupils. Leaders prioritize the school's role within the community, understanding the challenges faced by families and working to eliminate barriers to education.
Pupils at Park End Primary School express enjoyment in attending school, with staff dedicated to fostering a love of learning from the earliest stages. The curriculum is designed to be inclusive, preparing students for life beyond school. Enrichment activities, including music lessons and speech and language support, are integrated into the curriculum, ensuring that all pupils have opportunities to explore beyond academics. The school emphasizes the importance of music, with every pupil learning a musical instrument and participating in singing lessons, which helps build confidence and performance skills.
The school has a strong anti-bullying culture, with pupils understanding what bullying is and knowing how to seek help if needed. Leaders are focused on instilling a love of reading, starting from the nursery years, where children engage in singing and rhymes before progressing to formal reading. Staff are well-trained in phonics, enabling them to identify and support pupils who may struggle with reading. As a result, most pupils develop fluency in reading, and older students enjoy discussing the books they read.
In the early years, children are encouraged to develop independence and self-care skills through established routines that blend hygiene and fun. Leaders are actively developing subject coordinators to take ownership of their curriculum areas, ensuring that plans are sequenced according to the National Curriculum. While assessment practices are generally effective, some subjects require refinement to ensure that pupils do not repeat content unnecessarily and that their knowledge deepens over time.
Mathematics teaching has improved, with a focus on problem-solving skills and identifying gaps in understanding. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are quickly identified, and tailored support is provided to ensure their full inclusion in classroom activities. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with teachers creating engaging lessons that maintain student interest. During less engaging lessons, staff effectively support pupils in staying focused.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior during break and lunchtime, with play leaders facilitating inclusive activities. The school has implemented effective strategies to improve attendance, reducing the number of pupils who miss school frequently. Leaders are held accountable by the governing body, which rigorously reviews action plans for school development.
The safeguarding arrangements at Park End Primary School are robust, with staff receiving regular training to stay informed about safeguarding practices. Leaders work closely with external agencies to support families in need, ensuring that pupils are safe and well-supported. Recruitment checks are conducted to maintain a safe environment for all students.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in refining assessment arrangements in newly developed subjects to ensure precise evaluations of pupil progress. Overall, Park End Primary School is committed to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
