Benfieldside Primary School, located in Moorlands, Blackhill, Consett, County Durham, has recently undergone an inspection on the 25th and 26th of June 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, reflecting significant improvements since the previous inspection, which had rated it as requiring improvement. The school has demonstrated strengths across various areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which have also been rated as good.
The school fosters a caring environment where every pupil is valued and encouraged to achieve their best. Pupils express enjoyment in attending school and feel safe within its walls. The adults in the school model positive behavior and set high expectations for the students, who in turn show respect and attentiveness to one another. The emphasis on manners and respect is evident, with pupils taking pride in demonstrating these values to visitors. The supportive atmosphere extends to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, who receive timely and effective assistance.
Parents and caregivers of children in the early years have noted how well their children adapt to school life, highlighting the supportive nature of the staff. The school provides enriching experiences through local trips and residential visits, which help pupils develop resilience and teamwork skills. Participation in sporting events further nurtures their talents and interests.
The school has implemented a strong reading curriculum, with outcomes in reading matching or exceeding national expectations in recent years. Key reading skills are prioritized across the curriculum, and well-trained staff effectively teach phonics to younger pupils. The school promotes reading as a vital component of academic success, ensuring that pupils engage with books that match their abilities. Progress in reading is closely monitored, allowing for timely interventions to address any gaps in understanding.
The curriculum has been reviewed to ensure it is ambitious and builds on prior learning. The school has clearly identified the essential knowledge it wants pupils to acquire, and understanding is assessed before introducing new skills. For instance, early years children learn about man-made and natural features, which prepares them for more complex geographical concepts in later stages. Teachers regularly check pupils' understanding, enabling subject leaders to evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum.
Despite these strengths, the school recognizes areas for improvement. Some resources in certain subjects do not align well with the curriculum's intent, which can hinder progress for some pupils. The school is committed to ensuring that resources effectively support the curriculum across all subjects. Additionally, overall attendance remains a concern, with some pupils not attending regularly enough, leading to gaps in their learning. The school is actively working with families and external partners to address these attendance issues.
Online safety is a priority, with regular lessons and parental guidance provided to ensure pupils are aware of the dangers associated with social media. The school promotes a balanced understanding of local and global events, as well as the changes that occur in their bodies. Pupils have opportunities to learn about different religions through visits to places of worship, and their voices are heard through various pupil forums that provide feedback to school leaders.
The well-being of staff is also prioritized, with regular reviews of workload by school leaders. The governing body plays an active role in monitoring the school's performance, with governors visiting the school and engaging with senior leaders to assess the impact of changes. Their efforts to recruit members with specific expertise have strengthened the governing body's effectiveness in areas such as finance and safeguarding.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their interests are prioritized. The school continues to strive for improvement, focusing on aligning resources with curriculum goals and enhancing attendance rates to ensure all pupils benefit fully from their educational experiences. Overall, Benfieldside Primary School is making commendable progress in providing a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
