Fishburn Primary School, located in Stockton-on-Tees, was inspected on January 10 and 11, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school is rated as requiring improvement, with similar ratings for the quality of education, leadership and management, and early years provision. However, the school demonstrates good behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development among its pupils.
The inspection highlighted that Fishburn Primary School is on a path of improvement, with leaders actively working to enhance the school environment. Staff and many pupils express pride in being part of the school community, although some parents and carers have reservations about recommending the school to others. Pupils generally enjoy their time at school and hold a positive view of the staff. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils feel confident that their concerns will be addressed by adults.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, which contributes to a calm and conducive learning environment. Pupils, including those in early years, engage well with their peers and adults, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. A strong sense of equality is evident among pupils, who advocate for kindness and respect for differences. The school provides various opportunities for pupils to engage in charitable activities, further promoting their sense of community.
While teachers create engaging lessons that capture pupils' interests, there are concerns regarding the consistency of learning assessments. In some subjects, particularly science and history, the curriculum lacks clarity in defining essential knowledge for pupils. This can lead to superficial learning rather than a deeper understanding of complex concepts. Additionally, support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is inconsistent, with teachers sometimes unclear about specific targets for these pupils.
The phonics program in early years is well-structured, with teachers introducing sound identification effectively. However, there are instances where phonics instruction lacks consistency, impacting children's progress. The early years provision is generally positive, with children interacting well and enjoying their learning experiences. Nevertheless, opportunities to enhance language development during play are occasionally missed.
Pupils demonstrate a good understanding of democratic principles through participation in leadership roles and learn about various world religions. They engage in extracurricular activities, such as theatre productions, which enrich their educational experience. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with most attending school regularly and showing respect towards adults.
Governance at the school is active, with governors regularly assessing the progress of improvement plans and utilizing local authority support. Staff appreciate the management of their workload and well-being, contributing to a positive working environment.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance among staff. However, there is variability in staff awareness of local issues affecting children's safety. Pupils are knowledgeable about online safety, aided by contributions from local services.
To improve, the school needs to clearly outline the knowledge pupils should acquire throughout the year, ensuring that teachers have the necessary information to design effective learning programs. Additionally, staff training on supporting pupils with special educational needs should be prioritized to enhance their progress. In early years, staff should focus on developing children's language and vocabulary more effectively during play and phonics lessons. Overall, while Fishburn Primary School has made strides in improvement, there are key areas that require attention to ensure all pupils achieve their full potential.
