New Swannington Primary School is a nurturing and welcoming environment where pupils are encouraged to learn, play, and grow together. The school promotes a calm and orderly atmosphere, with clear expectations for behavior centered around kindness, safety, and respect. Pupils demonstrate good behavior in lessons and enjoy positive social interactions during break times. They express feelings of safety and trust in the staff, who provide excellent pastoral support, particularly for those needing help with emotional regulation. The school fosters leadership skills through roles such as school councillors and subject ambassadors, and offers a variety of extracurricular activities that enhance pupils' interests in sports and music.
The curriculum at New Swannington Primary is broad and ambitious, focusing on ensuring that all pupils achieve well within a caring and inclusive community. Staff utilize their strong subject knowledge to effectively explain and model concepts. However, there are areas where expectations for pupil work could be higher, particularly in certain subjects where support for improvement and addressing mistakes is inconsistent. This has led to some pupils achieving less well in those areas. Leadership in some subjects is still developing, and there is a need for clearer oversight to identify strengths and areas for further development.
Reading is a key focus of the curriculum, with a strong emphasis on developing fluency and accuracy from an early age. The school provides targeted support for pupils who need to catch up, and the library serves as a quiet space for reading and selecting books. The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, offering personalized support to ensure they can access the same learning opportunities as their peers.
In the early years, children receive a strong foundation for their learning, with a focus on language and early mathematics. They develop independence and resilience, engaging in activities that promote their creativity and problem-solving skills. The school prioritizes creating a respectful and calm learning environment, where pupils can focus without distractions. Attendance is closely monitored, and the school takes proactive steps to ensure pupils are safe and present.
Pupils' personal development is emphasized, with a solid understanding of physical and mental health. Extracurricular clubs cater to various interests, and the school provides a supportive space for pupils to discuss any worries. While pupils demonstrate maturity and respect in discussions about diversity, their understanding of fundamental British values and a range of faiths and cultures needs further development.
Staff at New Swannington Primary express pride in their work environment, describing it as a family-like atmosphere. Leaders are mindful of staff workload and well-being, and governors are actively involved in supporting and holding leaders accountable for school improvements. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring that pupils' welfare is prioritized.
To improve, the school should focus on raising expectations for pupil work across all subjects, ensuring consistent support for improvement. Additionally, developing subject leadership will help leaders monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of their areas. Strengthening pupils' understanding of various faiths and cultures is also essential to enhance their knowledge of the diverse society in which they live. Overall, New Swannington Primary School provides a solid educational foundation, with a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
