Belmont Primary School, located in Guisborough, Cleveland, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 25 and 26, 2023. The school fosters a positive and respectful community where both pupils and staff treat each other with kindness. Pupils express a strong sense of safety and trust in the staff, who are dedicated to addressing any issues that may arise. The staff's familiarity with the pupils allows them to provide tailored support, ensuring that each child receives the best possible care.
Pupil behavior is commendable, characterized by politeness and courtesy. They adhere to the expectations set by the staff and navigate the school environment safely. In the playground, pupils engage in cooperative play, and any disputes are resolved swiftly by the staff. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils are aware of the support available to them through trusted adults and anti-bullying ambassadors.
The school emphasizes high expectations for all pupils, who demonstrate diligence and enthusiasm in their learning. The youngest children are attentive and responsive to adult guidance, learning the school's golden guidelines. In lessons, pupils actively participate, eager to contribute and answer questions. The staff believes in the potential of every child to excel, providing a rich array of opportunities that enhance both learning and enjoyment. The local area is effectively utilized to support subjects like geography, and a variety of well-attended after-school clubs are available, with pupils having a say in their offerings.
Leadership at Belmont Primary School ensures that the curriculum is coherent and builds progressively as pupils advance through their education. This is evident across all subjects, with leaders regularly reviewing and refining the curriculum to enhance learning outcomes. A well-structured phonics program has been implemented to support early reading, resulting in most pupils achieving fluency and expression in their reading. The school is also improving its assessment practices to identify and support pupils who may struggle with phonics retention.
Pupils exhibit a love for reading, often choosing diverse texts from the library and enjoying a range of stories read to them. The mathematics curriculum effectively extends pupils' knowledge, with staff employing various strategies to clarify complex concepts. However, there are occasions when learning is not broken down into manageable steps, which can hinder pupils' progress in tackling more advanced tasks.
In subjects such as history, geography, and science, pupils build their knowledge effectively, with subject leaders adapting the curriculum to maintain relevance and interest. Educational visits, like the trip to Eden Camp, enhance pupils' enjoyment and understanding of their studies. Nonetheless, some subject-specific skills, particularly in history, require further development, and staff need to strengthen their understanding of how well pupils are grasping the wider curriculum.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is robust, with staff employing various strategies to help them overcome learning barriers. Leaders effectively collaborate with external agencies to provide additional support when necessary. The early years curriculum is also effective, with children quickly adapting to the nurturing environment and displaying pride in their achievements.
Pupils' broader development is well-supported, with exposure to various career options and strong links to the local church that enhance their spiritual growth. The school council plays an active role in shaping the curriculum, ensuring that pupils' voices are heard. In response to the pandemic, leaders have increased support for pupils' well-being, recognizing the need for additional assistance.
The leadership team shares a clear vision for the school, aiming for pupils to become well-rounded individuals who achieve their potential. Staff are fully aligned with this vision, and governors provide appropriate challenge and support to maintain the school's trajectory toward its goals.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with leaders prioritizing pupil welfare and collaborating with external agencies. Staff are well-trained and confident in their safeguarding responsibilities, ensuring that pupils learn how to keep themselves safe in various situations.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement. Teachers should focus on breaking down the mathematics curriculum into smaller steps to enhance pupils' understanding before progressing to more complex tasks. Additionally, leaders need to enhance pupils' understanding of subject-specific skills in history, geography, and science, and develop a clearer picture of how well pupils are learning in foundation subjects. Overall, Belmont Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
