Alston Primary School, located on Church Road in Alston, received a positive inspection report following its evaluation on June 26 and 27, 2019. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting the successful efforts of leaders and governors in addressing previous recommendations and enhancing the quality of education provided to students. The leadership team has demonstrated a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and weaknesses, which has facilitated effective planning for improvement. Governors actively hold leaders accountable for progress, ensuring that the school continues to advance.
The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment at Alston Primary School is also rated as good. The consistency of strong teaching across various subjects has contributed to improved outcomes for pupils in reading, writing, and mathematics. Most students are making strong progress, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities. The school effectively utilizes additional funding, such as the pupil premium, to support these groups. The curriculum is designed to provide a broad range of learning opportunities, although there are instances where the most able pupils may not be sufficiently challenged in subjects outside of English and mathematics.
Teachers are committed to helping pupils develop their writing skills across different subjects. However, there are occasions, particularly in lower key stage 2, where teaching does not adequately support pupils in identifying and correcting spelling errors, which can negatively impact the quality of their writing. In the early years, children receive a strong foundation in their education, with most reaching at least a good level of development by the time they enter Year 1. The phonics teaching has improved significantly, and most pupils are on track to meet the expected standards in the national phonics screening check.
The school promotes the personal development, behavior, and welfare of its pupils effectively. Leaders ensure that students develop well in various aspects, including spiritually, morally, culturally, and socially, preparing them for life in modern Britain. Pupils engage in a wide range of sports and activities, benefiting from the effective use of the physical education and sport premium grant. The school has established a strong culture of safeguarding, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported.
To further improve, the school aims to enhance pupils’ outcomes by providing more opportunities for them to revise and improve their spelling, particularly in lower key stage 2. Additionally, it seeks to ensure that the most able pupils receive sufficiently challenging work in subjects beyond English and mathematics.
The leadership and management of the school are effective, with leaders responding decisively to previous inspection recommendations. They have implemented significant changes, particularly in phonics teaching, which have positively impacted pupils’ progress in reading and writing. Leaders utilize assessment information effectively to monitor pupil progress and hold teachers accountable for outcomes. The professional development of staff is prioritized, with training opportunities that enhance their subject knowledge and teaching practices.
Governors play an active role in the school’s governance, holding leaders accountable for pupil outcomes and ensuring they are well-informed about the school’s strengths and weaknesses. They are committed to improving their effectiveness and have engaged in training to better understand the information provided by school leaders.
The arrangements for safeguarding are robust, with a culture of safety established throughout the school. Staff are well-trained to recognize signs of abuse and follow appropriate procedures for reporting concerns. The curriculum includes discussions about relationships and online safety, contributing to a warm and welcoming environment where pupils feel secure.
Overall, Alston Primary School is a good school that provides a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils. The leadership team’s commitment to continuous improvement, combined with strong teaching practices and a focus on personal development, ensures that students are well-prepared for their future educational journeys.
