Belmont Cheveley Park Primary School, located in Durham, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place from April 30 to May 1, 2024, and the school has maintained a good rating since its previous inspection in December 2018. The school serves a mixed-gender population of 225 pupils aged between three and eleven years, and it includes a nursery provision and an enhanced mainstream provision for pupils with speech, language, and communication difficulties.
The school environment is characterized by a strong sense of community and safety. Pupils interact positively with one another, demonstrating kindness and respect. They feel secure and are encouraged to take on leadership roles through various initiatives such as reader leaders and book champions. The school promotes high expectations for both behavior and academic achievement, resulting in well-behaved students who respond positively to rewards and recognition. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, and pupils express confidence in the staff's ability to address any issues that may arise.
Cheveley Park Primary School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, gardening, drama, and chess clubs, which are well-received by the pupils. These opportunities contribute to a well-rounded educational experience, allowing students to explore their interests outside the classroom. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with phonics instruction beginning in the early years. The curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils, including those in the enhanced mainstream provision, receive appropriate support and resources to develop their reading skills effectively.
The curriculum at Cheveley Park closely aligns with the national standards and is enriched by various trips and activities. However, the school acknowledges that previous staff turnover has impacted the development of its curriculum. Leaders are actively working to refine and enhance the curriculum, although some areas still require clearer mapping of learning objectives and assessment strategies. This lack of clarity can lead to inconsistencies in teaching practices across different subjects.
The school has introduced several new initiatives aimed at improving the curriculum, but there is a need for better communication and understanding among staff regarding their intended purposes. This inconsistency can hinder the overall effectiveness of these initiatives. Leaders are encouraged to evaluate the impact of these changes on pupil learning and ensure that all staff implement them as intended.
Pupils at Cheveley Park exhibit excellent behavior and are supportive of one another. The school has established systems to provide additional support for those who need it, including collaboration with external agencies when necessary. Attendance is monitored closely, and the school has measures in place to address any issues that may arise.
The school also prioritizes personal, social, health, and economic education, meeting statutory requirements for teaching relationships education. Pupils demonstrate an understanding of British values, including democracy and the importance of respect and tolerance in society.
Leadership at Cheveley Park is strong, with governors and school leaders demonstrating a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. Staff members report high levels of job satisfaction and feel supported in their roles. Communication with parents is effective, with regular updates on curriculum topics to encourage parental involvement in their children's education.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring that pupils' welfare is prioritized. Overall, while Cheveley Park Primary School has many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in curriculum development and the consistent implementation of new initiatives. Addressing these areas will further enhance the quality of education provided to pupils.
