North Denes Primary School and Nursery, located in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on January 10 and 11, 2023. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where pupils treat each other with respect and have positive relationships with staff. Pupils feel safe and supported, knowing that staff are attentive to their emotional needs. The school promotes its motto of CARE, encouraging pupils to understand and respect diverse opinions and family structures, fostering an atmosphere of tolerance and acceptance.
The behavior and attitudes of pupils are commendable, with clear routines and expectations leading to high levels of concentration during lessons. Pupils are motivated to achieve and are confident that any issues, such as bullying, will be addressed promptly by staff. Older pupils enjoy taking on responsibilities, such as becoming digital leaders or earning recognition for their positive contributions to school life.
The curriculum is well-structured, ensuring that pupils build on their prior knowledge across all subjects. Teachers effectively check for understanding and address misconceptions, which supports pupils' learning. The phonics program is particularly effective, providing early readers with the necessary skills to decode and blend words, laying a strong foundation for their reading development. A culture of reading is promoted throughout the school, with pupils expressing their enjoyment of literature and sharing recommendations with peers.
In the early years, children develop positive relationships and engage in a variety of activities that enhance their vocabulary and mathematical understanding. However, there is recognition that further work is needed to ensure that the curriculum in the Nursery is well-planned and sequenced to support children's future learning.
The school provides effective support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, with staff working closely with families to address individual challenges. Leaders have established a consistent approach to managing behavior, which minimizes disruptions to teaching and learning. Attendance is monitored closely, although some pupils do not attend as regularly as they should, leading to gaps in their learning.
Opportunities for personal development are abundant, with trips and visitors enriching the curriculum and helping pupils connect their learning to the wider world. Well-being ambassadors provide additional support for peers experiencing anxiety or distress. The governing body is supportive but needs to enhance its oversight of the curriculum to ensure it meets the needs of all pupils effectively.
Staff express pride in their work at the school, feeling supported and valued by leadership. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. The curriculum includes essential safety education, equipping pupils with knowledge about online and road safety.
To improve, the school must continue to develop the Nursery curriculum to ensure it is comprehensive and prepares children for future learning. Additionally, efforts should be made to enhance attendance among pupils who are frequently absent, as this impacts their educational progress. The governing body should also seek to gain a deeper understanding of the curriculum's effectiveness to hold leaders accountable for the quality of education provided. Overall, North Denes Primary School and Nursery demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
