Castleside Primary School, located in Consett, County Durham, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on March 9 and 10, 2022, and marked a significant improvement from its previous grade of requires improvement. The school is characterized by a welcoming and enjoyable environment where pupils feel at home. They exhibit good behavior, with rare instances of bullying, and demonstrate impeccable manners. The school fosters a culture of conflict resolution among pupils, encouraging them to address disagreements independently. The system of earning house points adds an element of fun and competition, further enhancing the school experience.
Pupils benefit from the ‘zones of regulation’ in classrooms, which help them monitor their feelings and seek support when needed. The school places a strong emphasis on mental health and well-being, ensuring that pupils are equipped with the knowledge to stay safe. Music is a vital part of the school's identity, with many pupils participating in various musical activities, including playing instruments and joining the choir, which performs at a high standard.
The leadership team has made commendable efforts to maintain learning continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic. A new phonics teaching approach has been implemented, with daily lessons that help pupils build their reading skills. By the end of Year 2, pupils are reading fluently and expressively, demonstrating a love for books and reading. The curriculum is well-structured in several subjects, with clear identification of key ideas and essential knowledge. The music curriculum, in particular, is highly effective, fostering a love for music among all pupils, including those with special educational needs.
Mathematics instruction has been carefully sequenced to address challenges posed by mixed-age classes, allowing pupils to build understanding progressively. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in subjects like geography and design technology, where curriculum development is still needed. Leaders recognize the necessity of defining key knowledge and ensuring a consistent approach across all subjects.
Pupils display positive attitudes towards learning, demonstrating resilience and a willingness to tackle challenges. The special educational needs coordinator works diligently to provide the best support for pupils with additional needs, collaborating with parents and teachers to create targeted support plans. The school actively engages pupils in community activities, enhancing their understanding of health, well-being, and relationships.
Staff members express high levels of satisfaction with the school, particularly regarding pupil behavior and leadership support. The governing body is well-informed about the school’s operations, and regular visits enable them to engage effectively with school leaders. The headteacher and deputy headteacher's strategic planning has been crucial in driving the school's recent improvements.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to identify and address concerns promptly. The school maintains a thorough record-keeping system for safeguarding incidents, ensuring that pupils are well-supported. Pupils are educated on online safety and know how to seek help if issues arise.
Despite the school's many strengths, there are areas that require further development. Some subjects lack clarity in essential knowledge and key ideas, which can hinder pupils' ability to connect new learning with prior knowledge. Leaders are aware of these challenges and are actively working to enhance the curriculum structure across all subjects. Overall, Castleside Primary School is on a positive trajectory, with a strong foundation for continued growth and improvement.
