New Pasture Lane Primary School in Bridlington has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 30 and 31, 2022. The school is actively developing a tailored curriculum that consists of three layers. The first layer is the national curriculum, while the second layer includes a co-curriculum that incorporates initiatives such as beach schools and the Nature Friendly Schools programme. The third layer focuses on responsibilities and experiences that enhance pupils' self-esteem and aspirations. Leadership opportunities are abundant for students, allowing them to take on roles such as mini mentors, school ambassadors, and Year 6 prefects.
The school has recently revised its behavior policy, which pupils perceive as fair and consistently applied. They understand what constitutes bullying and feel confident that teachers effectively address any issues that arise. The school has established robust procedures for managing pupil absence, collaborating with the local authority's educational welfare officer to set attendance targets for persistently absent students, resulting in improved attendance over time. The support staff, including the parent support assistant and emotional literacy support assistant, play a crucial role in helping families access necessary external resources.
Leaders aim to ensure that the curriculum reflects the community's needs. They have introduced Language Ladders, which outline specific vocabulary for each unit of work across all year groups, starting from nursery. This approach helps pupils build a strong vocabulary foundation. The school has also developed a skills progression document aligned with the national curriculum, ensuring that pupils develop their skills year after year. However, leaders need to identify the essential knowledge that pupils should acquire by the end of each topic to prepare them for subsequent stages in their education.
Reading is a priority at New Pasture Lane, with daily storytime sessions featuring age-appropriate books. Key Stage 1 pupils also have a Bedtime Book to read for enjoyment at home. A new phonics scheme has been introduced, although it requires further embedding to ensure consistency in teaching practices. While reading materials are well-matched to pupils' phonetic knowledge, some inconsistencies in instructional support have been noted.
Mathematics instruction is guided by plans from an external source, and pupils demonstrate enthusiasm for the subject. They can recall prior learning and apply it in current lessons. However, evidence suggests that higher-attaining pupils may not always be sufficiently challenged in their work. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that the curriculum is ambitious for all students.
The school has engaged with a local children's university to provide enriching experiences for pupils, including a Year 6 trip to London to visit the Houses of Parliament. Extra-curricular clubs are available, allowing pupils to pursue their interests and organize activities for younger students.
Governors are well-informed about their roles and responsibilities, holding school leaders accountable through regular reports. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders demonstrating a strong understanding of their families' needs and proactively addressing challenges. The school has implemented a personal, social, and health education programme to promote physical and mental well-being from an early age.
While the school has made significant strides, there are areas for improvement. Leaders are in the process of developing a sequenced curriculum and need to ensure that essential knowledge is clearly identified. Consistency in phonics teaching and greater challenges for higher-attaining pupils across the curriculum are also areas that require attention. Overall, New Pasture Lane Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.