Pittington Primary School, located in Durham, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 13 and 14, 2022. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils take pride in their school and themselves, responding well to the high expectations set by the leadership. The conduct of the pupils is commendable, as they demonstrate respect for their surroundings and each other, maintaining a tidy environment and showing politeness to visitors. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils feel confident that any issues would be addressed promptly by the staff.
The curriculum at Pittington Primary School is designed to engage pupils and stimulate their imagination. Students are diligent in their studies and show a particular enthusiasm for reading, often participating in book exchanges in the ‘hedgehog room’ during lunchtime. The school promotes a culture of respect during break times, with older pupils taking on leadership roles to help younger students feel included and make friends. Year 6 sports leaders organize games, serving as excellent role models for their peers.
The leadership team has ensured that subject leaders possess the necessary expertise to effectively guide their subjects. This has resulted in a well-structured and ambitious curriculum across all subjects. Subject leaders are actively involved in monitoring the teaching quality and collaborating with staff to enhance curriculum implementation. The early years curriculum has been particularly strengthened, providing a solid foundation for children as they progress through their education.
Teachers at Pittington Primary School are highly skilled and adept at delivering the curriculum to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. They receive valuable support from leaders to understand and meet the diverse needs of their students. Regular opportunities for pupils to revisit prior learning are in place, allowing them to recall knowledge with ease.
Assessment practices are effectively utilized to ensure that pupils grasp essential knowledge. In the early years, staff closely monitor children's understanding and provide additional support when necessary. Leaders use assessment data strategically to identify pupils who may require extra assistance and to inform future curriculum improvements.
Reading instruction is a strong focus, with a new phonics program recently introduced to enhance the existing reading curriculum. This initiative has proven beneficial for early readers, with additional support helping the weakest readers to catch up quickly. The curriculum also fosters a love for reading throughout the students' time at the school.
While the curriculum has been improved in many areas, leaders have recognized the need for further development in certain subjects, such as geography, to ensure pupils gain a deeper understanding of subject-specific knowledge. Plans have been put in place to address these gaps, but some teachers may require additional training to effectively deliver the new curriculum components.
Pupils exhibit impressive behavior, contributing to a calm and productive learning environment. The curriculum inspires them to focus and engage fully in their studies. Leaders prioritize personal development, broadening pupils' understanding of the world beyond their immediate community through various initiatives, including visits from faith leaders and carefully selected literature that promotes moral development.
The governing body is well-informed and actively holds leaders accountable, ensuring that the school operates effectively. They are attentive to staff workload and well-being, fostering a supportive environment for all staff members.
The safeguarding arrangements at Pittington Primary School are robust, with a strong culture of safeguarding embedded within the school. Staff are vigilant and proactive in addressing any concerns, ensuring that pupils receive the necessary support to stay safe both in the community and online. Overall, Pittington Primary School continues to provide a high-quality education, with a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
